Harry Kane Wins First Ballon d’Or for an Englishman Since 2001

Harry Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, earning football’s top individual honor after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, according to the award announcement.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was Europe’s leading scorer, setting scoring records in Germany and at the World Cup, where he captained England to third place.

Kane said the award reflected more than his goals, pointing to the hard work and setbacks he had overcome throughout his career. Addressing young players after recalling his early struggles, he said, “Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief.”

“My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs,” Kane said. “I had to fight my way to be the very best right now. I hope that can give you inspiration as well.”

Kylian Mbappé finished behind Kane in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal, who was named the best young talent for the third consecutive year, 2024 winner Rodri and Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record eight times.

Kane thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children and wife Kate. Addressing his children, he joked, “It's past your bedtime.” He then praised his wife, calling her “my best friend. We've been through ups and downs for sure. You're my biggest supporter. You always want the best for me.”

Kane helped Bayern win both the Bundesliga and German Cup, scoring a hat trick against Stuttgart in the cup final. The club also reached the Champions League semifinals.

At the World Cup, Kane scored six goals to overtake Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament and move into the top five in its scoring history. England lost to Argentina in the semifinals but defeated Mbappé’s France to finish third, securing the country’s best World Cup result in 60 years.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony was held in London for the first time, marking 70 years since the inaugural award went to England’s Stanley Matthews in 1956.

Kane said the victory was significant for English football and expressed pride in representing his country. “It's massive for England, for our country. (The ceremony) being here in London was a good omen for me,” he said. “It's been too long. Certainly (there have been) incredible English players... To put us back on the map, to put us here with this trophy I'm extremely proud. Playing for England is my biggest honor, the thing I love to do the most.”

England coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, saying the national team was “lucky to have you as our leader.”

“I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I'm delighted to see that you have now been formally recognized by the football world,” Tuchel said.

Crowds filled the streets near the London Palladium, where the ceremony took place, with fans climbing light poles to catch a glimpse of arriving players. Kane stopped to sign autographs as he entered the venue.

Supporters remained until the ceremony ended and chanted his name as he left the theater near Oxford Circus after midnight.

Kane said he intended to celebrate with family and friends but would keep the festivities limited because Bayern had a cup match on Wednesday. He was due to fly back to Munich early Tuesday to attend team training.

Putellas matches women’s Ballon d’Or record

Earlier, Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won her third women’s Ballon d’Or, equaling the record after helping her former club Barcelona collect several trophies last season, including the Women’s Champions League.

Putellas, who joined London City Lionesses during the offseason, also helped Spain win the Women’s Nations League last December.

The 32-year-old ended the three-year reign of her Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati. Putellas won the award in 2021 and 2022 before tearing her ACL, while Bonmati rose to prominence and completed a three-year run of her own in 2025. Bonmati was not shortlisted this year after breaking her leg in December.

The women’s Ballon d’Or was first awarded in 2018, with Ada Hegerberg becoming its inaugural winner.

Putellas encouraged young players to pursue football with “love and passion.”

“Believe in yourself, that's the most important thing,” she said. “If you have a dream, go for it, even if at some point you have to start from zero.”

She joined Barcelona in 2012 and described her time with the Catalan club as “something special.”

“I'm really grateful for having 14 seasons as a player (at Barcelona),” Putellas said. “What I experienced last year was like a perfect story.”