Harry Kane wins football’s Ballon d’Or, England’s first winner in 25 years
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time today, ending England’s 25-year wait for the award.
Kane struck 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double and England to the World Cup semi-finals.
The 33-year-old former Tottenham forward has been the leading scorer in the Bundesliga for three consecutive seasons and was Europe’s top overall club goalscorer for the 2025-26 campaign.
“Without you guys (his Bayern Munich team-mates) and the rest of the team it wouldn’t be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much,” he said at the ceremony in London.
Kane led England to their best World Cup finish since they lifted the trophy in 1966.
The last English player to win the Ballon d’Or was Michael Owen in 2001.
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for a stellar season leading the all-conquering Barcelona side to four trophies. Putellas, 32, who has since moved to London City Lionesses, claimed the award for the third time after successes in 2021 and 2022.
Spain men’s head coach Luis de la Fuente took out the men’s coach of the year after leading the side to World Cup glory in the US.
“Teamwork makes us invincible. This is a great honour,” de la Fuente said after collecting the award at a ceremony in London.
“The secret is to work with very generous players that put the team first. We’ve got such an amazing pool of talent, the best in the world, so as a coach I have such a great amount of talent to work with. So this is their success,” he added.