Harry Kane: England striker ends 25-year wait for Ballon d'Or
The 33-year-old forward earned the individual prize after scoring 73 goals during a campaign that included a domestic double at Bayern Munich and a semifinal run with England.
By Hassan Lawson ·
The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, has historically gone to players who combine technical flair with major team trophies. This year, the honor went to a veteran striker whose season was defined by raw volume and consistency.
Harry Kane accepted the award on Monday in London, becoming the first English player to win the prize since Michael Owen claimed it in 2001. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich forward cited his location as a good omen for the evening. He told the audience, "Wow, wow, wow! I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special."
Kane's selection was driven by a statistical output that stood apart from his peers. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern across all competitions. This total helped the German club secure both the domestic league and cup titles. His club and country combined total reached 73 goals, a figure that voters weighed heavily against rivals who had recent World Cup success.
The competition for the award included Kylian Mbappe, who set scoring records at the recent World Cup, and Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain win the tournament. However, Kane's influence extended across the entire season rather than just a single tournament. He scored six goals during the World Cup and guided England to the semifinal stage, continuing his role as the team's primary offensive force.
Kane's path to this award reflects a career that moved from loan spells at Tottenham Hotspur to the pinnacle of European football. His move to Bayern in 2023 marked the start of a period where he transitioned from a goal scorer to a complete central forward who also functions as a playmaker. At 33, he holds the records for England's most international goals and most World Cup goals.
The women's Ballon d'Or was awarded to Alexia Putellas, who won her third individual title of that category. The Spain midfielder earned the recognition after Barcelona completed a treble and won the Spanish Super Cup in the 2025-26 season. Putellas left Barcelona in July after 14 years to join London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League.
Kane's victory marks the end of a long pursuit for the English captain. He joins a short list of English winners in the award's history, adding the golden ball to a legacy that includes leading his nation at the World Cup and dominating domestic scoring charts in Germany.
Source: Al Jazeera
