The captain of the men’s England national football team and striker for Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane, has received the Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall
today, in recognition of his outstanding sporting achievements.
Harry, who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, was nominated by the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, and Deputy Policy Chairman, Keith Bottomley.
The 29-year-old from Walthamstow has enjoyed a remarkable career, starting in 2009 and aged just 16 when he was promoted to the senior team from Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy.
Picking up several major awards and accolades over the last decade, including PFA Young Player of the Year, three Premier League Golden Boots, the World Cup 2018 Golden Boot, and Premier League Playmaker of the Season, he was appointed MBE in 2019 for services to football. Harry is both Tottenham Hotspur’s and England’s all-time leading goal scorer, as well as being the second-highest Premier League all-time goal scorer.
Harry established Harry Kane Foundation (HKF) in October 2022 with the aim of transforming generations’ thinking about mental health. HKF uses Harry’s time, profile and networks to work collaboratively with mental health experts, charities and strategic partners to reach audiences of all ages through educational tools, tactical awareness campaigns and the provision of practical support. HKF won an award at this year’s Smiley Charity Film Awards, known as ‘the Oscars for the charity sector’ for the animation that it created to promote the importance of positive thinking, self-belief, and having the support of others.
Speaking after today’s ceremony, Harry Kane said:
“I am extremely grateful to receive the Freedom of the City of London award, and to know that my sporting achievements are appreciated by so many. This recognition is a proud moment for me and my family, who were at the ceremony, and I enjoyed meeting those who put forward nominations.
“This award serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication are crucial for success and motivates me to continue making a difference across the country and in the city that I love and grew up in.”
City Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:
“Harry Kane is an outstanding sportsman and role model for young footballers, having achieved so much before the age of 30.
“Born and raised in London and admired by many millions of followers of the beautiful game – not just in this country, but around the world - it was our pleasure to welcome him and his guests to Guildhall.”
City London Corporation Deputy Policy Chairman, Keith Bottomley, said:
“I was delighted to support the nomination for Harry Kane’s Freedom, which is richly deserved.
“Harry is, in every sense, at the top of his game and his Freedom goes 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.
Last year, 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. Photo by enviro warrior from england, Wikimedia commons.