Kane thanks doctor Elorriaga at Ballon d'Or
Harry Kane lifted the Ballon d’Or 2026 and paused to thank Spanish doctor Alejandro Elorriaga, a figure he has relied on for more than six years. The Bayern Munich striker said the partnership has been vital to his recent success, highlighting the role of the specialist during the ceremony.
From injury to partnership
The link began in March 2020 while Kane was still a Tottenham Hotspur forward. On 1 January 2020 he suffered a complete rupture of the proximal tendon of his left biceps femoris, an injury that required surgery and a lengthy lay‑off. During rehabilitation he first met Elorriaga, a Madrid‑born sports doctor who had spent decades working in Canada.
Elorriaga has directed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture programme at McMaster University since 1998 and also serves as a clinical professor in the department of anaesthesia. His expertise centres on pain management and functional recovery, fields in which he has assisted numerous high‑performance athletes.
Since that first meeting the pair have kept a close professional bond. Elorriaga tailors individualised training and recovery plans to meet the physical demands of elite football, accompanying Kane through both club preparation and international duties.
Impact on Kane's elite output
Kane, now 33, credits the collaboration for sustaining his regularity and for allowing him to contest a high volume of matches each season. He believes the personalised approach has helped him improve his performance as he ages.
The numbers from the 2025‑2026 campaign underline his form: 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and the England national team combined. Such a strike rate highlights the extraordinary phase of the English striker’s career.
By mentioning Elorriaga during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Kane gave the previously low‑profile doctor a rare spotlight. The acknowledgement has sparked interest in a professional who, despite decades of work behind the scenes, has now become part of the public narrative surrounding the award.