GOAL reported that, after Harry Kane collected the Ballon d'Or, public relations and marketing expert Mark Borkowski said Kane could help repair the reputation of English football. GOAL said Kane received warm applause at the ceremony.
Comments after the Ballon d'Or ceremony
GOAL reported that Kane stood and thanked his wife, his family and a long list of the coaches he has worked with, naming each of them.
Borkowski told The Sun: "Let's face it, British football is in a very bad place at the moment in terms of reputation, and regardless of what the Premier League does about Manchester City, Harry Kane may be the saviour of the reputation of football in this country."
Background to the reputation issue
The game's reputation has been tarnished after Manchester City were found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over nine consecutive seasons.
Borkowski's view of Kane's role
Borkowski said: "I think he already feels like a statesman, and he feels there is a bigger role to play than all those stereotypical roles that footballers fall into."
He added: "In his career, he perhaps has two or three more tournaments left, and his goal will be to bring the World Cup to England, which will bring him a great deal of money and create a long-lasting legacy."
Borkowski stressed: "Harry Kane can play the role of England's ambassador because of his values and his character, and he may leave a greater legacy than David Beckham himself."