Bayern Munich striker becomes first Englishman to win award for 25 years

Show caption: England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane kisses the trop…

Harry Kane completed his long quest for football's highest individual honour on Monday, with the Bayern Munich and England striker winning the Ballon d'Or after a record-breaking season that cemented his status as one of the game's greatest goalscorers.

Kane is the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years, since Michael Owen claimed it in 2001. Kylian Mbappe of France and Real Madrid finished second and Spain's Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was third. Rodri was fourth and Lionel Messi fifth.

“Wow, wow, wow!” Kane said after taking the stage. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. It's a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.

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“Some world-class players are in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. It's an impressive showing of what determination and hard work can achieve.”

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Feminin for the third time.

Kane's move to Bayern in 2023 brought him the team trophies that had long eluded him. In 2025-26, he coupled that success with goalscoring numbers that made him the leading Ballon d'Or candidate.

The England captain produced his most prolific campaign, scoring 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern across all competitions as the German side completed a domestic league and cup double.

By the end of the season, Kane had established himself as Europe's leading goalscorer. His influence stretched far beyond club football.

He scored six goals at the World Cup and led England to the semi-finals, combining his clinical finishing with the leadership and composure that have defined his international career.

The award represents the culmination of a remarkable journey. Few players have experienced a career arc quite like Kane's. In his emotional speech, he thanked all his career coaches, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and his wife, Kate.

Having struggled to establish himself at Spurs as a youngster and been sent out on numerous loan spells, he developed into one of the most complete centre-forwards of his generation, capable of scoring every type of goal while also functioning as a playmaker.

“It's about the journey,” Kane said. “Anything is possible. Work hard when nobody is watching.

“For any young boy or girl wanting to achieve their dreams, anything is possible. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs. I had to find my way to become the very best.”

Kane's consistency shines through

The Ballon d'Or has often rewarded players whose success was built on flair and spectacle, but Kane's triumph is a tribute to consistency, intelligence and productivity on an exceptional scale.

Week after week, he delivered. Match after match, he decided contests. There were no prolonged slumps and few quiet nights. His numbers were almost impossible to ignore.

Kane finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country, a total rarely seen in the modern era. More importantly, those goals arrived in moments of genuine significance, helping Bayern collect trophies and driving England deep into the biggest tournament in the sport.

The competition for this year's award was fierce. Mbappe broke World Cup scoring records, while Yamal helped Spain to World Cup glory. Yet voters ultimately chose Kane, whose excellence lasted throughout the season.

At 33, Kane has finally claimed the game's highest individual honour, adding a Ballon d'Or to a legacy that already places him among football's greatest strikers. He is also England's all-time leading goalscorer and their record World Cup scorer.

Putellas was presented with the women's award after winning the treble with Barcelona in the 2025-26 campaign, in addition to the Spanish Super Cup. She moved to Women's Super League side London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barca.

Spain and Barcelona players won the young talent awards, with Lamine picking up his third trophy and Vicky Lopez taking home the women's award for the second successive year.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men's coach of the year, while Barcelona's Pere Romeu won the women's coaching award.

The men's goalkeeper award went to Unai Simon of Spain and Athletic Bilbao, while Cata Coll of Spain and Barcelona won the women's award.

Paris Saint-Germain won the men's club of the year award, while Barcelona picked up the women's honour. Kane won the men's striker of the year prize, while Charlyn Corral was named top women's striker.

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka was presented with the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.