England Captain Harry Kane will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a special ceremony in January.
The announcement comes as excitement builds for the World Cup, which kicks off in Qatar on 20 November.
Kane – who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, and who plays for north London club Tottenham Hotspur – has been nominated for the Freedom by the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, and its Deputy Policy Chairman, Keith Bottomley.
The award, which was agreed by the City Corporation’s elected Court of Common Council, will be made in recognition of his outstanding sporting achievements.
The 29-year-old from Walthamstow has enjoyed a remarkable career, starting in 2009 and was promoted, aged just 16, from the youth academy to the senior team.
Following a string of major awards and accolades over the last decade, including PFA Young Player of the Year, three Premier League Golden Boots (top scorer), the World Cup 2018 Golden Boot, and Premier League Playmaker of the Season, he was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to football.
In September this year, he scored his 51st international goal against Germany, making him only the second player to score 51 goals for England. Kane is chasing down the title of being the greatest-ever goal scorer for England with only three goals left to break this record.
Harry Kane said:
“I am extremely proud and grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London award. This is a proud moment for myself and my family.
“It is a real honour to be recognised by the city I grew up in and love, and I am looking forward to meeting those who nominated me at the award ceremony.”
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:
“We are delighted that Harry will be awarded the Freedom of the City. It is richly deserved.
“Harry is a superstar for so many football fans. He has made a massive contribution to sport and London.”
