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 51^st 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.”

City of London Corporation Deputy Policy Chairman, Keith Bottomley, said:

“It is fantastic that Harry will receive a Freedom in recognition of everything he has achieved.

“Harry is, in every sense, at the top of his game. This Freedom will go some way towards expressing our admiration for his tremendous skill on the pitch, and our considerable pride in him.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

In August, it was announced that the entire England Women’s Football Team will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London, following its 2-1 win over Germany in the European Championship Final at Wembley.

Recent high-profile recipients of the Freedom include former England cricketer, Sajid Mahmood; Nobel Prize-winning mathematical physicist, Professor Sir Roger Penrose; and singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran.

The Museum of London is hosting a special free display about Harry Kane curated in collaboration with the player (open until 4 December). Details of the Harry Kane Foundation are here.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK www.cityoflondon.gov.uk