Harry Kane claimed the Ballon d'Or after a sensational year for the Bayern Munich ace - who became the first Englishman to claim the award in a quarter of a century

No-one deserves this more than Harry Kane - and this is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to be considered an all-time great with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich superstar Kane has made no secret of how much winning the Ballon d’Or means to him and his family. It is a recognition of his life’s work, his determination and ambition to become England’s greatest-ever goal scorer and one of the best players in history.

Kane has been defined by his remarkable 73 goal season for club and country last year. His goals were spectacular, his performances are getting better and he is evolving as a player.

The England captain broke records, helped Bayern win a domestic Treble and led his country to the semi finals of the World Cup. They eventually finished third and that is England’s best-ever finish on foreign soil.

But in a World Cup year, the coveted Ballon d’Or normally always goes to a player for his achievement in the tournament.

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The script is normally written for a World Cup winner to also be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner. Luka Modric being a notable exception in 2018 but even he won for helping Croatia reach the final. However, Kane has bucked the trend because his performances have been so good, so impressive and so spectacular.

Yes, you could look to Lamine Yamal for his performances for Barcelona and also in helping Spain win the World Cup. Or Spain captain Rodri because he was magnificent in helping his country win the World Cup in the United States last summer.

But neither matched Kane’s achievement from an individual perspective because the Bayern striker has been so consistent, so prolific and, despite his award being about individual success, he has an incredible team ethic.

Last week, Kane became only the second player in Champions League history to find the net in ten consecutive matches when he scored against Arsenal last week.

The only other player was five-time Ballon d’Or Ronaldo winner who scored in 11 successive matches for Real Madrid between June 2017 and April 2018. Kane's goal against Arsenal last week also took his tally to 156 in 158 appearances since joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham in 2023.

Bayern legend Uli Hoeness, the club’s honorary president, has described Kane as their “best-ever signing” which is really saying something.

This is the player who, let’s not forget, had to fight to succeed. Released by Arsenal as a kid, loaned out to Leyton Orient, Norwich, Millwall and Leicester, he struggled to make it at Tottenham. When he was told he was not quick enough, he worked endlessly on his speed and acceleration with resistance training. When he realised he needed to improve his technique, he spent endless sessions on his finishing and control.

Now he is not just a great finisher - and England’s record scorer - but also an all-round player because of his ability to drop deep, pass and provide assists. This is a player at the top of his game. But he has worked to get there. Back in 2017, a few columnists poked fun at Kane when, still at Tottenham and only 24, he talked about trying to emulate the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo.

“A football career is a short career, so you have got to make the most of every day,” he said. “I use it as inspiration. “With social media these days it’s difficult to stay away from it. I want to be one of the best players in the world, so when people put it up and I see I am close to those players, it is a great incentive to get closer and go to the next step.”

Kane went from strength to strength at Tottenham. He scored goals, helped revive the club and earned himself a move to Bayern Munich. His goals there have been spectacular. One, in particular, stands out. It was against Inter Milan in April 2025 when he fought, battled and then wriggled past two defenders before digging the ball out to fire into the top corner.

That epitomizes Kane - and his determination. Nothing will stop him. He is a national treasure who deserves to be remembered as one of English football’s all-time greats. It is fitting that he has become the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to win this award.

We should also respect the parameters of the award. Individual performances, decisive and impressive character. Collective performances and titles won. Class and fair play. That is Kane. He is a class act. A great leader. He has his own Foundation which champions mental health conversations, wellbeing, good health and to build resilience in young people.

Kane deserves this. More than anyone else. I even loved the fact that he said last week how nervous he is and how his wife Kate wanted to know in advance. She knows how important this is to him. And that in itself is another good reason to reward the humble superstar.