Kane claims Ballon d'Or: Englishman ends 25-year drought

Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first English player to claim the prize since Michael Owen in 2001. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker accepted the award in London, marking the end of a long wait for the nation's top goalscorer.

Kane's victory rests on a record-breaking 2025-26 season. He scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern, helping the German club win the league and cup double. He added six goals during the World Cup, leading England to the semi-finals. His combined total reached 73 goals for club and country, a volume that voters deemed decisive over more spectacular performances.

The competition included Kylian Mbappe, who broke World Cup scoring records, and Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain win the tournament. Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Lionel Messi. Despite the high-profile campaigns of his peers, Kane's consistent output across the entire season secured the top spot.

In his acceptance speech, Kane credited his journey from a young loanee at Tottenham to a global star. "It's about the journey," he said. "Anything is possible, work hard when nobody is watching." He thanked his coaches, his wife Kate, and the voters who selected him from a deep field of nominees.

Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time. The midfielder won the treble and Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona during the 2025-26 campaign. She moved to London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barcelona.

Luis de la Fuente, the Spain coach, received the men's coach of the year award. Barcelona's Pere Romeu won the equivalent prize for women. Unai Simon took the men's goalkeeper award, while Cata Coll won the women's honor.

Paris Saint-Germain was named the men's club of the year, with Barcelona claiming the women's title. Kane also received the men's striker of the year prize. Charlyn Corral was named the top women's striker. Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.