Harry Kane has become the first English player in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or, beating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to the prestigious award at a ceremony in London.
The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was emotional as he accepted the honour, describing the occasion as particularly special because it was held in London.
“Wow, I'm almost speechless,” Kane said. “Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.”
He also thanked those who voted for him, acknowledging that the decision would have been difficult.
Kane is the fifth Englishman to win the award, joining Stanley Matthews, who won in 1956, Bobby Charlton in 1966, and Kevin Keegan, who claimed it in 1978 and 1979. He is also the first Bayern Munich player to receive the honour since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
Kane’s award follows an outstanding scoring season in which he netted 61 goals in 51 club appearances, the highest tally ever recorded by a Bayern player in a single campaign. Including his England appearances, he scored 73 goals and provided eight assists in 65 matches.
Despite his individual success, Kane did not win either of football’s major team prizes last season, with his sides falling in the World Cup and Champions League semi-finals.
His achievement places him among an elite group of players recognised for their performances over the season.
