After 25 years, harry kane becomes first englishman to win ballon d'Or
A landmark award in London
Kane received the Ballon d'Or on Monday at the London Palladium Theatre. His 73 goals for club and country last season made him Europe's top scorer. Kane said the award reflected persistence through setbacks. Addressing young players, he said, “Anything is possible with hard work,” and described his own career as a difficult path to the top.
Kylian Mbappé finished behind Kane in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. Yamal was named best young talent for a third consecutive year.
Success for Bayern and England
Kane helped Bayern Munich win both the Bundesliga and German Cup. He scored a hat trick against Stuttgart in the cup final, and Bayern reached the Champions League semifinals.
At the World Cup, Kane scored six goals and passed Gary Lineker as England’s leading scorer in the tournament. England lost to Argentina in the semifinals, then beat France to finish third—the team’s best World Cup result in 60 years. Kane called the award important for England and said playing for the national team was his greatest honor. Tuchel said England were “lucky to have you as our leader.”
Fans and family celebrated
Fans crowded the streets around the London Palladium and climbed light poles to see arriving athletes. Kane signed autographs before the ceremony, then heard supporters chant his name as he left after midnight.
Kane thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children and wife Kate. He said she was his “biggest supporter” and his best friend. He said he had an early Tuesday flight to Munich for training ahead of a cup game on Wednesday, adding that the celebrations could not become too messy.
Putellas wins women’s award
Alexia Putellas won her third women’s Ballon d'Or, matching the record, after helping Barcelona win multiple trophies last season, including the Women’s Champions League. She also helped Spain win the Women’s Nations League last December.
The 32-year-old midfielder joined London City Lionesses in the offseason. Her win ended Aitana Bonmati’s three-year run; Bonmati was not shortlisted after breaking her leg in December. The London ceremony marked the first time the event had been held in the city. The occasion recognized Stanley Matthews, England’s inaugural winner in 1956, 70 years earlier.
Key points
- Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga and German Cup, while reaching the Champions League semifinals.
- England finished third at the World Cup, its best placing in 60 years.
- Alexia Putellas claimed her record-equaling third women’s Ballon d'Or.