Harry Kane has been awarded the Ballon d’Or, marking the first time an English player has claimed the prestigious honor in 25 years. The 33-year-old forward, who spent the previous campaign smashing scoring records in Germany with Bayern Munich and captaining England to a third-place finish at the World Cup, netted 73 goals across all competitions for club and country to emerge as Europe’s top scorer. According to the 33-year-old Kane, Winning the prestigious individual award was built on so much more. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. Scoring a hat trick against Stuttgart in the cup final, kane led Bayern to the Bundesliga and German Cup double. He scored six times to pass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer and placed himself among the all-time top five in tournament history, at the World Cup. His lineup lost to Argentina in the semifinals but beat Mbappé’s France for third place, England’s best World Cup placing in 60 years. Certainly (there have been) incredible English players. The thing I love to do the most.”, playing for England is my biggest honor.
Reflecting on his path to the trophy, an emotional Kane emphasized the importance of resilience, noting that his journey to the pinnacle of football was far from straightforward. “Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief,” he stated, encouraging young players to persevere through early career struggles. I had to experience the downs,” he added. “I had to fight my way to be the very best right now. I hope that can give you inspiration as well.”. To put us here with this trophy I’m extremely proud, to put us back on the map.
Kane finished at the top of the voting, which included Kylian Mbappé, 2024 winner Rodri, and eight-time record holder Lionel Messi.
Lamine Yamal also secured recognition, earning the award for the best young talent for the third consecutive year.
During his acceptance speech, Kane expressed deep pride in representing England, highlighting that the ceremony’s location in London—where the inaugural award was presented to Stanley Matthews 70 years ago—made the achievement particularly meaningful. Monday’s ceremony was held in London for the first time in recognition of the inaugural winner 70 years ago, England’s Stanley Matthews in 1956. For our country. (The ceremony) being here in London was a good omen for me,” Kane said. “It’s been too long, it’s massive for England.
The striker’s success was lauded by England coach Thomas Tuchel, who noted that he had long run out of superlatives for the player’s performances. Kane dedicated the accolade to his family, specifically thanking his wife Kate and his children. Despite the magnitude of the win, Kane maintained a professional focus, noting that he had to return to Munich promptly for team training ahead of a cup fixture on Wednesday. Coaches, parents, children – “It’s past your bedtime” – and wife Kate, ” my best friend, kane thanked his teammates.
In the women’s category, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed her record-equaling third Ballon d’Or. Her victory follows a highly successful final season with Barcelona, where she helped secure the Women’s Champions League, alongside a Nations League title with Spain. Putellas, who moved to the London City Lionesses in the offseason, ended the three-year dominance of teammate Aitana Bonmati, who was absent from this year’s shortlist due to a leg injury. The 32-year-old midfielder ended Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati’s three-year reign. Bonmati, who completed her women’s Ballon d’Or three-peat in 2025, was not on this year’s shortlist after breaking her leg in December.
Having won the award previously in 2021 and 2022 before a severe knee injury sidelined her career briefly, Putellas reflected on her 14-year tenure at Barcelona as a uniquely special chapter. She encouraged aspiring players to chase their dreams with love and passion, even when faced with the necessity of starting over from scratch. Tore her ACL and saw Bonmati rise to stardom, putellas won the prestigious award in 2021 and 2022.
The event, hosted at the London Palladium, drew significant crowds of supporters who gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the stars. Kane, who provided a brief moment of connection with fans by signing autographs, was celebrated by those in attendance even after the ceremony concluded. His achievement closes a lengthy gap for England, with Michael Owen having been the last Englishman to receive the award back in 2001. Where the event was held, for a glimpse of the arriving athletes, fans packed the streets and climbed light poles near the London Palladium.
