Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or, Ending 25-Year Drought for English Players

Harry Kane ended a 25-year wait for an English winner of the Ballon d'Or on Monday. The award was presented at the London Palladium, marking the first time the ceremony has been held in the United Kingdom.

Kane, 33, earned the honor after finishing as Europe's top scorer last season with 73 goals for club and country. He set scoring records for Bayern Munich in Germany and broke national records during the World Cup. His performance helped lead England to a third-place finish, the country's best result in 60 years.

In his acceptance speech, Kane emphasized the role of resilience in his career. He told young players that hard work matters most when no one is watching. Kane noted that his path to the top was not straightforward and required fighting through early struggles. "I had to fight my way to be the very best right now," he said.

The vote placed Kane ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Lionel Messi. Yamal also won the award for best young talent for the third consecutive year. Kane thanked his wife, Kate, whom he called his best friend and biggest supporter. He also acknowledged his parents, children, and teammates.

Kane's achievements included leading Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga and German Cup double. He scored a hat trick against Stuttgart in the cup final. His team also reached the Champions League semifinals. At the World Cup, Kane scored six times to become England's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.

England coach Thomas Tuchel praised Kane's leadership. Tuchel said the team is lucky to have Kane as its leader and expressed delight that the football world has formally recognized his performances. Fans gathered outside the London Palladium to watch the ceremony. Some climbed light poles near Oxford Circus for a better view. Kane stopped to sign autographs on his way into the venue.

Earlier in the day, Spain's Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or. Putellas, 32, ended Aitana Bonmati's three-year streak. Putellas won the award in 2021 and 2022 before an injury allowed Bonmati to win in 2025. This year, Putellas was recognized for leading her former club Barcelona to multiple trophies, including the Women's Champions League, and helping Spain win the Women's Nations League. She joined London City Lionesses in the offseason.

Kane plans to return to Munich on Tuesday for an early flight. He has a cup game scheduled for Wednesday and said the celebration would be limited. The Ballon d'Or has been awarded since 1956, when England's Stanley Matthews won the inaugural prize.