By Habeeb Ibrahim
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, ending a long wait for England to produce the world’s top individual football award winner.
The 33-year-old England captain received the honour at the 70th edition of the ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday, following a prolific 2025-26 season for club and country.
Kane’s victory makes him the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen claimed it in 2001.
The Bayern forward scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German club during the season, helping them secure the domestic league and cup double.
His overall tally, including international matches, reached 73 goals, underlining his importance to both Bayern and England.
At the 2026 World Cup, Kane scored six goals as England advanced to the semi-finals, adding to his case for the individual honour despite the national team’s failure to reach the final.
His success at Monday’s ceremony followed his earlier recognition as the men’s Striker of the Year, further highlighting his goalscoring achievements during the campaign.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to the outstanding footballer of the year, based on votes cast by journalists.
Kane’s triumph also represents a significant milestone in his career, adding one of football’s most prestigious individual honours to his achievements after years of establishing himself as one of the game’s leading goalscorers.
