ROY KEANE DELIVERS HIS BRUTALLY HONEST CLAIM AS HARRY KANE ENDS ENGLAND’S 25-YEAR BALLON D’OR WAIT SINCE MICHAEL OWEN!

ROY KEANE DELIVERS HIS BRUTALLY HONEST CLAIM AS HARRY KANE ENDS ENGLAND’S 25-YEAR BALLON D’OR WAIT SINCE MICHAEL OWEN!

Roy Keane has never been one to hold back, and the former Manchester United captain delivered a brutally honest assessment of Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph, insisting the England captain’s achievement is “long overdue” but questioning whether it will silence the critics who have doubted him for years.

Kane, 33, was crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner on Monday night in London, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim the prestigious award. The Bayern Munich striker enjoyed a remarkable season, scoring 52 goals in all competitions and leading Bayern to the Bundesliga title and the Champions League final.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the ceremony, Keane was typically forthright.

“Long overdue? Yeah, I’d say so,” Keane said. “Harry Kane has been one of the best strikers in the world for the last decade. He’s scored goals wherever he’s been. He’s broken records. And yet, for years, people have questioned him. They’ve said he’s not world-class. They’ve said he doesn’t show up in big games. They’ve said he can’t win anything. Well, what do they say now?”

Keane continued, his voice firm.

“He’s just won the Ballon d’Or. He’s just been crowned the best player in the world. And he’s done it the hard way. He’s worked for it. He’s earned it. Nobody handed him anything. And that’s what I respect about him. He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. He doesn’t court attention. He just scores goals. And now he’s got the biggest individual prize in football to show for it.”

The former Ireland international was asked whether Kane’s triumph would finally silence his critics.

“Silence them? No. Critics will always be critics. They’ll find something else to say. They’ll say he’s too old. They’ll say he’s past his best. They’ll say he can’t do it at international level. But the truth is, Harry Kane has proven them wrong time and time again. And he’ll keep proving them wrong. That’s what he does. That’s who he is.”

Keane also praised Kane’s mentality, describing him as “a proper professional” and “a leader.”

“People talk about talent. They talk about ability. But what sets Harry Kane apart is his mentality. He’s relentless. He’s driven. He’s obsessed with winning. And that’s why he’s got to the top. That’s why he’s won the Ballon d’Or. Because he never stops. He never gives up. He never settles. And that’s what I admire about him.”

Keane then turned his attention to the wider issue of awards and merit, delivering a pointed message about the importance of recognising genuine achievement.

“But let me say this about the Ballon d’Or and awards in general. The award shouldn’t be given to people who don’t merit it. It shouldn’t be given to someone as a gift just because of his age. It shouldn’t be given to someone because of his reputation. It should be given to the best player in the world. And this year, that’s Harry Kane. He’s earned it. He’s deserved it. And nobody can argue with that.”

He continued: “I’ve seen awards handed out to players who didn’t deserve them. I’ve seen awards given to players because they were coming to the end of their career. I’ve seen awards given to players because they were popular. And that’s wrong. That’s not what awards are for. Awards are for the best. And this year, the best is Harry Kane.”

Keane was also asked about the significance of Kane ending England’s 25-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner, and his response was typically direct.

“It’s been 25 years since Michael Owen won it. That’s a long time. Too long. England has had some great players in that time. But none of them have been able to get over the line. Harry Kane has. And that says everything about him. He’s a special player. He’s a special talent. And he deserves every bit of recognition he gets.”

Kane, speaking after receiving the award, was typically humble.

“It’s an incredible honour,” Kane said. “I’ve worked my whole life for moments like this. But I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, my coaches, and my family. This isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who’s supported me along the way. And it’s for England. It’s been 25 years since an Englishman won this award. Hopefully, it won’t be another 25 before the next one.”