Jose Mourinho has enjoyed a few memorable days as Real Madrid manager.
Following Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Portuguese tactician has now received recognition from one of the finest strikers he has worked with.
Harry Kane paid tribute to Jose Mourinho during his acceptance speech after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Monday evening.
The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
Kane remembers Mourinho’s contribution to his career
During his emotional speech in London, Kane thanked several managers who helped shape his development, including Mourinho, Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Gareth Southgate.
“I want to give a shoutout to some of my coaches who have helped me along the way. Jose Mourinho is one of them,” he said (h/t Independent).
The England captain acknowledged their collective contribution, insisting that he could not have reached this stage without the guidance he received from his coaches.
Kylian Mbappe finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Mourinho managed Kane at Tottenham between November 2019 and April 2021. During their time together, he helped the Englishman become a more complete attacking player.
The Portuguese manager took a player who was a lethal goalscorer and made him someone who started dropping deeper to create opportunities for his team-mates.
Mourinho’s influence remains evident years later
Kane’s performances during the 2020-21 Premier League campaign demonstrated that evolution.
He finished with 23 goals and 14 assists, winning both the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards.
Even though Mbappe did not win, the recognition of Mourinho’s work at the Ballon d’Or ceremony will have pleased Madrid.
Jose Mourinho played a key role in making Harry Kane the complete player that he is. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
His recent Clasico victory highlighted his ability to organise a talented squad around a clear tactical plan, something Madrid have struggled to achieve in the past.
Kane’s tribute also offers a reminder that Mourinho always tends to have a positive influence on the players he coaches.
He not only helps teams get better and win trophies but also helps players develop into better versions of themselves.
Mbappe might have missed out on the award this time, but there is no doubt that he will be keen to deliver an excellent campaign and make it his own in another 12 months’ time.