Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim football’s most prestigious individual prize after finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
The ceremony descended into confusion hours before it began when the Ballon d’Or’s official website appeared to publish three separate articles naming Kane, Mbappe and Yamal as winners of the main award. Fights also broke out between fans and security outside the venue.
Kane, however, remained composed. The Bayern Munich striker, who scored 61 goals for the German club last season, was visibly overwhelmed when he was finally announced as the winner.
The 33-year-old attended Monday night’s ceremony at the London Palladium with his wife, Katie Goodland. After collecting the award, he posted a simple message on social media: “Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise.”
While Yamal helped Spain win the World Cup by beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final and Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, Kane’s extraordinary campaign ultimately set him apart.
During a season in which he helped Bayern Munich secure a domestic double and guided England to third place at the World Cup, Kane scored 73 goals in total.
Harry Kane has become England’s first Ballon d’Or winner since 2001
Legendary Brazil forward Ronaldo presented Kane with the award after he beat Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe
The England captain fought back tears while thanking his parents for their unwavering support
Kane’s 61 goals for Bayern made him the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2014-15 to reach that mark in a single season.
His tally was 19 higher than that of any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Including his 12 goals for England, Kane finished with 73, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 58 and Yamal on 25.
Once assists were included, Kane’s total goal involvements for the season rose to a remarkable 81.
“Wow, wow, wow,” Kane said after receiving the prize. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London makes it extra special. It turned out to be a good omen for me tonight.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was a difficult decision this year.”
Kane became emotional as he acknowledged the managers and coaches who had shaped his career, before fighting back tears while describing the role his parents played in helping him reach the biggest moment of his career.
“Mum and Dad, what a moment. All those years, the sacrifices and the support you gave me. You took me to training and came to watch me play, no matter where it was. Even to this day, you are still there,” Kane said.
“All the qualities you gave me have helped me succeed and reach this stage tonight.”
“My kids are back home watching — it is past your bedtime! You are the reason I do this. This one is special, and I cannot wait to see you and celebrate with you. I love you very much.
“My wife Kate, my best friend and my biggest supporter — we have done it. You always want the best for me, and you sacrifice so much to help me achieve my dreams. None of this would be possible without you.”
Kane praised his wife Kate as his “best friend” and “biggest supporter”
Harry Kane has scored 156 goals for Bayern Munich since joining the club in 2023
Kane went on to thank his Bayern Munich teammates, saying: “Without you and the rest of the team, this would not have been possible. The way you push me and the way we compete together has made a huge difference.
“To Vinny [Vincent Kompany], I know you are at home or still in hospital. I wish you well and hope this gives you a little energy. To all the staff, the way we train and the standards you demand are a credit to you.
“Since I joined you, I have improved as a player, a person and a leader. It is an honour to play for Bayern Munich, and representing you is a real privilege. I am delighted to bring this trophy back to the club.”
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“To my England teammates, it has been the same story. We had a special year. It was not perfect, but we shared many great moments.
“It is an honour to captain and lead you. That makes me incredibly proud. This award belongs to all of us, along with Thomas Tuchel and the England staff. The leadership, standards and drive you bring deserve huge admiration.”
Kane also reserved a special tribute for his former club, Tottenham Hotspur.
“I want to thank Tottenham Hotspur as well,” he said, visibly emotional.
“I would not be where I am today without Tottenham. I joined when I was 11 years old.
Kane also matched Peter Shilton’s England record of 125 caps during the recent Nations League fixtures
“You allowed me to live my dream. Without all the highs and lows along the way, that journey would not have brought me to this moment.
“To all the fans — Bayern supporters, England fans, Spurs fans and people who support me around the world — I love you all. It means a great deal to share this room with you tonight.
“I remember being a fan not so long ago and knowing what it meant to play football. It was my dream. Whenever I can give something back to you, it is an honour and a privilege.”
Kane’s triumph makes him the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen was crowned the world’s best player in 2001.
Since Owen’s victory, the award has gone to Ronaldo of Brazil, Pavel Nedved, Andriy Shevchenko, Ronaldinho, Fabio Cannavaro, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Rodri and Ousmane Dembele.
He is also the first Bundesliga player to win the award since Borussia Dortmund midfielder Matthias Sammer claimed it in 1996.
The Football Association illuminated Wembley to mark Kane’s achievement on Monday night, while England manager Thomas Tuchel congratulated his captain.
“Congratulations, Harry, on a deserved Ballon d’Or,” Tuchel said.
“I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I am delighted that the football world has now formally recognised you.
“To become the first Englishman to win this major honour in 25 years makes it even more special. We are fortunate to have you as our leader. I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones before returning to what you do best — scoring goals and winning football matches.”
Kane had been the bookmakers’ favourite for much of the build-up and faced constant speculation over whether he would end England’s 25-year wait for another Ballon d’Or winner.
Since 2024, organisers France Football have chosen not to disclose the winner ahead of the ceremony in an attempt to preserve the suspense. In previous years, leaks prompted controversy, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr boycotting the event after reports suggested Rodri would win.
Kane pictured with his wife Katie at Oktoberfest in Munich last month
Kane was never likely to miss Monday’s landmark ceremony, although his family had endured an anxious wait to discover the result.
“I think my wife and family would prefer to know. It is very stressful for everyone,” Kane said last week.
“Of course, I would love to know so I could relax and not have to wait through the entire night. But it is their decision, and I cannot control it. We will just have to enjoy the evening and try not to stress too much.
“I try not to think about it, although it is obviously difficult. There are always rumours circulating, and you try to keep away from them.”
Ultimately, there was celebration rather than disappointment for the Kane family as the England captain, dressed for the occasion, accepted the applause and recognition of his peers.
