Harry Kane was congratulated for winning the Ballon d'Or by Prince William and Downing Street, who hinted at a future knighthood.
The England and Bayern Munich striker won the most prestigious individual prize in football on Monday night at a ceremony in London, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to win it.
He has received praise from England boss Thomas Tuchel -- and also from royalty, and No. 10 Downing Street.
"What a fantastic achievement and so deserved," the Prince of Wales wrote on Instagram.
"A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered the 33-year-old England captain his congratulations on being crowned the best individual player in global men's football.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "The PM would like to congratulate Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d'Or.
"To be the first Englishman to win it in 25 years is an extraordinary achievement, and what a moment to do it here at home.
"Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, it caps a remarkable season and Harry continues to set a brilliant example to young players across the country, and the PM knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him.
"And, hopefully, there's another trophy to celebrate with England before too long."
She was also asked whether the Prime Minister would like to see the player knighted.
"On your question about a knighthood, I think everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given an enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him and the country, but, as ever, I'm not going to pre-empt the honours process," the spokeswoman said.
Jamie Carragher, who was a teammate of Michael Owen when he won the Ballon d'Or in 2001, felt it was long overdue.
"Absolutely delighted. What a career he's had, what a player he is, and as a country, we haven't got enough Ballon d'Or winners," he told Sky Sports.
"My former team-mate Michael Owen was the last to win it in 2001, so it's been a long wait.
"But in terms of Harry Kane, and I think Jude Bellingham, who's going to be a future Ballon d'Or winner, we do have two of the greatest players of their era. I'm delighted for Kane and the country."
Carragher felt Kane's move to the Bundesliga three years ago helped tip the scales in his favour.
"It's a move he needed to make. I thought he might be obsessed with the Premier League goalscoring record, but he's obsessed with goalscoring records, not just that one," he added.
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"But it also gives him a great chance of winning the Champions League and being involved in Ballon d'Or selections.
"There's no way Harry Kane could've won the Ballon d'Or if he was playing for Tottenham."
Former France forward and Ballon d'Or ceremony co-host Thierry Henry said: "I would always back my fellow Frenchmen but I have to say something about Harry Kane.
"I have seen him since the beginning. He had to suffer really hard to achieve what he has achieved. A worthy winner, well done."
Press Association contributed to this report.