England football captain Harry Kane has been honored with a life-size statue at the Peter May Sports Centre in Walthamstow, near his childhood football club Ridgeway Rovers. The statue, which cost £7,200 and was funded by Waltham Forest Council, was unveiled by two young players from the club where Kane first began his football journey.
The statue’s installation comes after a four-year delay in finding the right location. Originally, Conservative councillors Emma Best and Roy Berg had planned to place the statue at Chingford Overground station, but the proposal was rejected by Transport for London following a risk assessment.
Kane, who was born in Walthamstow and joined Ridgeway Rovers at the age of five, expressed his emotions about the statue, describing the moment as “quite humbling.” He hopes the statue will inspire young children who will walk past it, reflecting on his remarkable journey from a local youth football club to becoming a professional footballer.
The statue is accompanied by a black and white mural depicting highlights from Kane’s career, including his debut goal for England against Lithuania in 2015. Now 31 years old, Kane has played for Tottenham Hotspur and is currently with Bayern Munich, having become a prominent figure in international football.
Young players from Ridgeway Rovers shared their admiration for Kane, with one stating that he is “very special” for having played at the club in his youth, and another describing him as a “massive role model.”
Kane himself reflected on the significance of the statue, calling it an “incredible story of my journey and my life and the hard work.” He emphasized the importance of providing a source of inspiration for children, saying it’s “really cool” that kids now have a place to be motivated by his achievements.
The life-size bronze statue depicts Kane in an England shirt, capturing a moment of his illustrious career. Its placement at the Peter May Sports Centre, where he first developed his football skills, adds a personal and meaningful touch to the commemoration.
The unveiling serves as a testament to Kane’s local roots and his extraordinary rise in the world of football. From a young player at Ridgeway Rovers to the captain of the England national team, Kane’s journey represents a powerful narrative of dedication, talent, and perseverance.
The statue not only honors Kane’s individual achievements but also serves as an inspiration to young footballers in the community, demonstrating that with hard work and commitment, local talents can achieve international recognition.
