Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Harry Kane has become the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to football’s most prestigious individual award at a ceremony in London on Monday.
The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was rewarded for the most prolific season of his career, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025-26 campaign. He also won the European Golden Shoe after finishing as the leading goalscorer across Europe’s domestic leagues.
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Kane became the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or, joining Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. His triumph also continued a remarkable trend in the award’s history. Lionel Messi, who won it in 2012 at the age of 25, remains the last player aged 27 or younger to claim the men’s prize.
KANE ADMITS HE WAS NERVOUS BEFORE CEREMONY
Kane arrived at the London Palladium knowing he was among the leading contenders for the award, but admitted that waiting for the result was an unfamiliar experience for a player accustomed to influencing the outcome of matches.
“I’m a little nervous, I’m not going to lie. It’s different to playing a big match because it’s out of my control,” he said before the ceremony.
The England captain also reflected on a season that brought three trophies with Bayern Munich, although he acknowledged that there were bigger prizes he would have liked to win.
“It was my best season for sure. I won three trophies with Bayern Munich. Close to reaching the final of the Champions League and semi-final of the World Cup,” Kane said.
“If I had won those two things, it would have been guaranteed for sure.”
Kane said he was proud of what he had achieved, regardless of the final result, and was keen to enjoy the occasion with his family and friends in London.
KANE’S EMOTIONAL ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Kane admitted he was almost speechless when he collected the award, turning to the notes he had brought with him on stage to deliver his acceptance speech.
“I’m almost speechless. Luckily, I have this list here. Thank you to France Football, to the Ballon d’Or for putting on this amazing event. Being here in London has made it extra special. It looked like a good omen for me tonight, so thank you very much,” he said.
He then thanked those who voted for him, acknowledging the strength of the competition for the award.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was really tough this year, with some of the incredible players I was up against, some of my teammates and some world-class players in the room tonight.”
Kane’s achievement was built on a season in which his goals helped Bayern dominate domestically. But he was quick to point out that his individual success would not have been possible without the people around him.
“Without you guys and the rest of the team, it wouldn’t be possible. The way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much,” he said, addressing his Bayern teammates.
He also sent his best wishes to manager Vincent Kompany, who was recovering after collapsing during training.
“To Vinny [Vincent Kompany], I know he is at home or still in the hospital. Wishing you well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy,” Kane said.
The striker reserved further praise for the Bayern coaching staff, saying his time at the club had helped him grow beyond his performances on the pitch.
“Since I have been with you, I have improved as a player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. It is an honour to play for Bayern Munich. To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich,” he added.
Kane also thanked his wife, Kate, for her support throughout his career.
“My wife Kate, we’re in this together. I know this wouldn’t be possible without you,” he said.
KANE’S REMARKABLE SEASON
Kane scored 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern during the 2025-26 season, helping the German club win the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.
He scored 14 goals in the Champions League, finishing among the competition’s leading scorers as Bayern’s campaign ended in the semi-finals against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
His success was not limited to club football. Kane scored six goals at the 2026 World Cup, where England finished third. His tournament tally took him to 14 World Cup goals, moving him past Gary Lineker to become England’s leading men’s goalscorer in the competition’s history.
The Ballon d’Or was not his only individual honour of the evening. Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, capping a campaign in which his finishing and consistency made him one of the standout players in world football.
Kane’s journey to the top has taken him through several clubs and loan spells, and he also acknowledged the role played by Russell Slade, who managed him during his loan spell at Leyton Orient from Tottenham in 2011.
The recognition was particularly significant for a player who had spent years chasing major honours before joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham in 2023.
PUTELLAS WINS WOMEN’S BALLON D’OR
Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time, reclaiming the award after her Spain team-mate Aitana Bonmati won it in 2023 and 2024.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona, was recognised for her performances during the 2025-26 season. She scored 20 goals in 43 appearances for Barcelona and captained the club to four trophies, winning Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League.
Putellas, who previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, thanked her team-mates and the people who voted for her.
“Thank you very much. It is a pleasure to be here, again. Thank you, France Football,” she said.
She also acknowledged the strength of the nominees and praised her Barcelona team-mates for their efforts throughout the season.
“Anyone here could have fairly won this trophy and be giving this speech here right now. It is a great pleasure to play alongside each and every single one of you,” Putellas said.
The midfielder also reflected on the challenges the team had overcome, including injuries and difficult moments during the campaign.
Barcelona and Spain featured prominently among the other winners on the night. Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s equivalent. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu won the women’s award.
Paris Saint-Germain were named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the women’s honour.
BALLON D’OR 2026: FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain; now London City Lionesses)
- Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky Lopez (Barcelona, Spain)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simon (Athletic Club, Spain)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona, Spain)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona, Spain)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona (Spain)
- Men’s Striker of the Year: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca, Mexico)
- Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
