Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or: Bayern Munich and England striker caps record season

A historic English winner

Kane was named the world’s best player at a ceremony in London. He is the first English winner since Owen received the award in 2001. The article also identifies Denis Law, who won in 1964, and George Best, who won in 1968, as other Ballon d’Or winners from the United Kingdom. Kane is Bayern’s first winner since Rummenigge in 1981.

A season of remarkable scoring

Kane’s 61 goals for Bayern and England last season were the most by any player since Cristiano Ronaldo scored the same number for Real Madrid 11 years earlier. The article says only one player at a club in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more in a season.

He scored 10 times in the German Cup, including a hat-trick in the 3-0 final win over Stuttgart, and added a goal in the German Super Cup. Bayern also won the German double.

England goals add to total

Kane scored 12 goals for England last season, including six at the World Cup, taking his international total to 73. The article lists Gerd Müller next, with 72 in 1972-73, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s 66 in two seasons.

Kane’s previous best Ballon d’Or finish was 10th. The article says his individual output last season was unmatched, despite his relatively limited haul of team trophies.

The next award race begins

Kane has scored six goals in four Nations League matches for England, giving him 16 goals in 16 games so far, according to the article. It says a possible Treble and a continued scoring rate could strengthen his chances of retaining the award next year.