Virat Kohli has publicly applauded Harry Kane after the Bayern Munich forward was crowned the best player in world football for 2026. Kohli shared a warm note on social media, describing Kane as a friend and celebrating his success over a field of high-profile rivals, including Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

Moments like this show how cricket and football stars can cross sporting boundaries, with India's batting star openly celebrating a footballer's landmark achievement. It is a reminder that personal respect between elite athletes often means more than the rivalries between their sports, and it gives fans from both codes a reason to look at each other's achievements with fresh eyes.

For the full story and Kohli's complete message, head to CricTracker.