Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Wait for Ballon d’Or Glory

England captain Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s title at the awards ceremony held in London on Monday.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker scored an extraordinary 73 goals for club and country last season, emerging as Europe’s leading scorer and breaking records in Germany and at the World Cup. He helped Bayern secure a domestic double, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup, and scored a hat-trick against Stuttgart in the cup final.

Kane also made history at the World Cup, scoring six goals to surpass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament. England finished third after defeating France, captained by Kylian Mbappé, following a semi-final loss to Argentina. It was the national team’s best World Cup finish in 60 years.

An emotional Kane credited hard work, resilience and self-belief for his success, recalling the challenges he faced early in his career.

“My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs,” he said, expressing hope that his journey would inspire young boys and girls.

Kane thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children and wife Kate for their support. England coach Thomas Tuchel praised him as a leader, saying the team was fortunate to have him.

Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi in the voting. Yamal received the Young Talent award for the third consecutive year. The ceremony was held in London for the first time in recognition of the award’s inaugural winner, England’s Stanley Matthews, in 1956. Kane ended the country’s wait for the honour since Michael Owen won it in 2001.

In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas secured her third Ballon d’Or after previously winning in 2021 and 2022. She helped Barcelona win multiple trophies, including the Women’s Champions League, before joining London City Lionesses. She also contributed to Spain’s Women’s Nations League triumph last December.

Putellas ended compatriot Aitana Bonmati’s three-year reign. Bonmati was absent from this year’s shortlist after breaking her leg in December.

Encouraging aspiring players, Putellas urged them to pursue their dreams with love and passion, emphasising the importance of believing in themselves even when they have to start again.