MusaThe reaction from Tottenham Hotspur supporters, former players and everyone connected with the club over the past 48 hours has highlighted just how much Harry Kane means to the North London side and the lasting legacy he has left behind.
In football, where rivalries often make it difficult for supporters to celebrate the success of former players, Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph has proved to be a special exception. The 33-year-old’s professionalism, humility and dedication throughout his career have earned him widespread respect, making it difficult for even the most disappointed Spurs supporters not to feel proud of his remarkable achievement.
Several of Kane’s former teammates have expressed their happiness following his triumph, with Dele Alli even revealing that he was moved to tears when the Bayern Munich striker received the prestigious individual award.
Hugo Lloris praises Harry Kane’s professionalism and humility
Hugo Lloris, who joined Tottenham in the summer of 2012, witnessed Kane’s remarkable transformation from an overlooked academy prospect who spent time on loan at several English Football League clubs into a first-team regular and eventually one of the finest players in world football.
Having shared the dressing room with the England captain for several years, the former Spurs goalkeeper understands the dedication and determination behind his rise to the top.
Lloris believes Kane has developed into a complete footballer whose influence extends far beyond his extraordinary goalscoring record. He also praised the striker’s humility and resilience, describing him as an example for aspiring footballers.
Speaking to L’Équipe, Lloris expressed his delight at seeing his former teammate rewarded for years of hard work.
“It’s fantastic for Harry. I’m happy for him and his family. It’s the culmination of his journey, his resilience and his clinical finishing,” Lloris said.
The former Tottenham captain acknowledged that Kane might not possess the same natural flair as some of the world’s most gifted players, but insisted that his overall qualities make him an exceptional footballer.
According to Lloris, the Bayern Munich forward has continually improved his game, developing an impressive range of abilities that allow him to influence matches in numerous ways.
“He may have a little less magic than some other players, but he’s much more than just a symbol of efficiency: he has an incredibly complete skill set that he has developed year after year.
“Today, he can do everything: play short passes, play long passes, make tackles and track back to defend. And he’s undoubtedly the best player in the penalty box. Right foot, left foot, headers – he has it all.”
Lloris also reflected on how Kane has evolved since the early stages of his career, explaining that the striker is no longer simply a forward who relies on making runs behind opposition defenders.
Instead, the England international has developed into a player capable of dropping deeper, creating opportunities for teammates and controlling the attacking play, while maintaining his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the game.
The former Spurs skipper recalled being particularly impressed by Kane’s physical strength when they faced each other at the 2022 World Cup, highlighting the striker’s ability to compete against elite defenders such as Dayot Upamecano.
Lloris added that Kane’s success is a product of his discipline and modest personality rather than a desire for personal recognition.
“It’s fantastic to see a former teammate win the Ballon d’Or, on home soil in London. I knew him at the beginning of his career, when he relied heavily on runs in behind.
“Since then, he has adapted his game to the point where he can do everything. He has always had that athletic power and has always been a handful for defenders, but I think he has become stronger and more physically imposing with experience.
“I remember being impressed by his physicality against us at the 2022 World Cup, especially considering he had a formidable opponent in Dayot Upamecano.
“Harry doesn’t seek the limelight, and he owes this Ballon d’Or to his professionalism and humility.”
Lloris was also impressed by Kane’s acceptance speech, particularly the way the striker acknowledged the people who had supported him throughout his journey.
For the former Tottenham captain, that moment demonstrated why Kane continues to command so much respect from former teammates and supporters alike.
He also highlighted Kane’s creativity during their time together at Spurs, pointing out that the striker regularly moved into deeper positions to create chances for Son Heung-min and other attacking teammates.
That ability to combine goalscoring with intelligent passing helped establish Kane as much more than a conventional centre-forward.
Lloris reveals Kane’s next major ambitions
Despite celebrating one of football’s most prestigious individual honours, Kane is unlikely to consider his journey complete.
Lloris, who spent years alongside the striker at Tottenham, believes the England international will already be looking towards the next major challenges of his career.
The former France international expects Kane to remain determined to win the UEFA Champions League and finally secure a major international trophy with England.
Although their years together at Tottenham did not produce a major trophy, Lloris believes the experience helped shape both players and contributed to their development at the highest level.
Reflecting on their time in North London, the 39-year-old explained that Kane still has significant ambitions to fulfil despite his Ballon d’Or success.
“We devoted many years of our careers to Tottenham and, even though we didn’t manage to win a trophy, that experience helped us in our careers.
“Knowing him, I know what his next big challenges are: winning the Champions League and winning the Euros at home in 18 months’ time. He still has many great years ahead of him.”
Lloris’s comments underline the admiration Kane continues to enjoy among those who played alongside him at Tottenham. His Ballon d’Or achievement has not only recognised his individual brilliance but also reminded Spurs supporters of the extraordinary player who once led their attack.
While Kane has moved on to a new chapter of his career at Bayern Munich, the respect he earned during his years in North London remains firmly intact.
Musa
