Harry Kane has become the first English winner of the Ballon d’Or in 25 years after being honoured at a ceremony in London.
Michael Owen was the last player from England to receive the prestigious individual accolade in 2001, but Kane’s incredible 73-goal haul last season for club and country earned him the award from French magazine France Football.
Bayern Munich forward Kane was a popular winner in the capital and has followed in the footsteps of Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen as a Ballon d’Or winner from England.
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Kane beat Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal to the award.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless,” an emotional Kane said on stage. “First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event. Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.
“Thank you to everyone for voting for me. I can imagine it was very tough. Thank you to everyone that voted for me.”
Kane, who thanked England, Bayern and former club Tottenham, said: “It’s just the journey. For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible.
“I hope my journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration, and thank you very much.”
There was chaos just hours before the ceremony as the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Lamine Yamal and Mbappe as the winner of the 2026 men’s award.
Then, in a further twist, the ceremony was delayed by 45 minutes to an 8.45pm start due to the London traffic.
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Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher on Kane’s Ballon d’Or win:
“Absolutely delighted. What a career he’s had, what a player he is, and as a country, we haven’t got enough Ballon d’Or winners.
“It’s certainly been a long time. My former team-mate Michael Owen was the last to win it in 2001, so it’s been a long wait.
“But in terms of Harry Kane, and I think Jude Bellingham, who’s going to be a future Ballon d’Or winner, we do have two of the greatest players of their era.
“I’m delighted for Kane and the country.”
On the importance of his move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in winning the Ballon d’Or: “It’s a move he needed to make.
“I thought he might be obsessed with the Premier League goalscoring record, but he’s obsessed with goalscoring records, not just that one.
“But it also gives him a great chance of winning the Champions League and being involved in Ballon d’Or selections.
“There’s no way Harry Kane could’ve won the Ballon d’Or if he was playing for Tottenham.”
England boss Tuchel and Prince William send congratulations
England head coach Thomas Tuchel led the tributes to Kane, who became the first Bayern player to win the award in 45 years.
“Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon d’Or!” said Tuchel.
“I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.
“To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.
“I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.’
Prince William, patron of the Football Association, also sent his congratulations.
“What a fantastic achievement and so deserved,” the Prince of Wales wrote on Instagram.
“A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments.”
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