Harry Kane has ended England’s 25-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner after being named the world’s best player at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26. The Bayern Munich striker became the first Englishman to receive football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen won it in 2001.

The 33-year-old finished ahead of France and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who placed second, and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who came third. Kane is now the fifth Englishman to win the award, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. His victory also makes him the first Bayern Munich player to claim the prize since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

Kane’s award follows an outstanding scoring campaign for Bayern. He netted 61 goals in 51 club appearances last season, setting a new record for the most goals scored by a Bayern player in a single campaign. His overall tally rose to 73 goals in 65 matches when his England appearances were included. He also contributed eight assists across those games.

The achievement is particularly notable because Kane did not win either of the major team trophies he pursued last season. Bayern fell short in the Champions League, while England suffered defeat in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite those disappointments, his individual performances earned him recognition ahead of several leading players in world football.

An emotional Kane thanked those who voted for him and praised the quality of the other nominees. England manager Thomas Tuchel also congratulated the captain, saying the award formally recognised his performances. To mark the historic achievement, Wembley’s famous arches were illuminated in gold on Monday night, celebrating England’s first Ballon d’Or winner in a quarter of a century.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cqlye4jpzzxyo