Harry Kane has become the first English player in 25 years to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or after emerging victorious at Monday’s ceremony in London.
The Bayern Munich striker clinched the 2026 award after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, surpassing Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Kane’s triumph makes him the latest Englishman to win the award after Michael Owen, who received the honour in 2001.
The England captain joins an illustrious list of English winners, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
An emotional Kane expressed gratitude to France Football, organisers of the award, and everyone who voted for him.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless. First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event.
“Being in London makes it extra special; it felt like a good omen,” he said.
Kane also thanked England, Bayern Munich and his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, for their contributions to his remarkable career.
Reflecting on his journey, he said aspiring footballers could achieve their dreams through perseverance, in spite of setbacks and challenges.
“For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible,” Kane said.
He added that his journey had not been straightforward, citing several loan spells and the determination required to reach the highest level.
“I hope my journey can inspire others. I didn’t go straight to the top; I had to experience several loan moves and fight my way to where I am now,” he said.
The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Yamal and Mbappe as winners of the men’s award.
The event also started 45 minutes behind schedule, with organisers attributing the delay to traffic congestion in London.
In the final rankings, Kane finished first, followed by Mbappe in second place and Yamal in third.
Manchester City’s Rodri finished fourth, while Lionel Messi of Inter Miami placed fifth in the rankings.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came sixth, ahead of teammate Ousmane Dembele in seventh place.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finished eighth, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Fabian Ruiz completed the top 10.
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or, representing London City Lionesses and Barcelona, alongside Spain.
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year honour.
Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Barcelona teammate Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s equivalent.
Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Striker of the Year prize.
Spain’s Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed the women’s category.
PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work. (NAN)
