Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to be named the world’s best player after finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
The football calendar’s most prestigious awards ceremony descended into confusion before it had even begun, with the Ballon d’Or’s official website publishing three separate articles declaring Kane, Mbappe and Yamal the winner of the main prize. Fights also broke out between fans and security outside the venue.
But Kane, the Bayern Munich striker who scored 61 goals for the German club last season, remained composed before being crowned the winner on an emotional night that left him “speechless”.
The 33-year-old was supported by his wife, Katie Goodland, at the London Palladium on Monday night. After receiving the award, he posted the message “Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise” on social media.
Yamal went on to win the World Cup in the summer after defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final, while Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Yet Kane’s extraordinary goalscoring campaign ultimately set him apart from his rivals.
During a season in which he helped Bayern Munich win a domestic double and guided England to a third-place finish at the World Cup, Kane scored 73 goals in total.
Harry Kane has been crowned 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 as he thanked his parents for their unwavering support
Kane’s 61 goals for Bayern made him the first player to reach that figure in a season since Cristiano Ronaldo scored 61 for Real Madrid in 2014-15.
His tally was 19 higher than that of any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Adding his 12 goals for England gave Kane a final total of 73, compared with Mbappe’s 58 and Yamal’s 25.
Once his assists were included, Kane finished the season with a remarkable 81 goal involvements.
“Wow, wow, wow,” Kane said after accepting the honour. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special and proved to be a good omen for me tonight.”
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was a tough decision this year.”
Kane became emotional as he thanked the managers and coaches who had guided his career, before becoming tearful while speaking about 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 sacrifice and the support you gave me. Taking me to training and coming to watch me play, no matter where it was — even to this day, you’re there,” Kane said.
“All those traits you gave me have allowed me to be successful and to be here tonight.”
“My kids back home watching — it is past your bedtime! You’re the reason I do this. This one is a special one. I can’t wait to see you and celebrate with you. I love you very much.”
“My wife Kate, my best friend, you’re my biggest supporter. We have done it. You always want the best for me and sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my dreams. It wouldn’t be possible without you.”
Kane thanked his wife Kate, describing her as his ‘best friend’ and ‘my biggest supporter’
Harry Kane scored 156 goals for Bayern Munich since moving to Germany in 2023
Kane continued: ‘Without you guys [Bayern Munich team-mates] 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.
‘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. To all the staff we way train and the way you push us it is a credit to yourself.
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‘Since I have been with you I have improved as player, improved as a person and a leader. It is an honour to play for Bayern Munich, to represent you is a real privilege and I am glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich.’
‘To my England team-mates, again the same, we had a special year. It wasn’t the perfect year, but we had a load of great moments.
‘It is an honour to captain you and lead you. It makes me extremely proud. This one is for all of us for sure, Thomas Tuchel and the staff at England, again the leadership the way you drive us, the way you push standards is something to be admired.’
There was also special mention to his former team Tottenham Hotspur.
‘I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well,’ an emotional Kane said.
‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham for sure. I was there from 11 years old.
Kane also drew level with Peter Shilton on a record 125 caps for England during the recent Nations League fixtures
‘You allowed me to live my dream so without all those ups and downs along the way, that journey has led me to this moment today.
‘To all the fans, Bayern, England fans, Spurs fans and all my fans around the world. I love you in this room tonight.
‘I remember being a fan not long ago and what it means to play football. It was a dream of mine. Any time I can give back to you guys is an honour and privilege to do so.’
Kane’s success on Monday night means that he has become the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen was crowned the world’s best player in 2001.
Since then, Ronaldo (Brazil), Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic), Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Kaka (Brazil), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Luka Modric (Croatia), Karim Benzema (France), Rodri (Spain), and Ousmane Dembele (France) have all won it.
Kane’s victory means he is also the first player from the Bundesliga to win the award since Matthias Sammer of Borussia Dortmund, won it in 1996.
The Football Association lit up Wembley in honour of Kane’s accomplishment on Monday evening, as England boss 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’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.
‘To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader. I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.’
Kane had been the bookmakers’ favourite for the award for some time and he has had to contend with plenty of noise around whether he will end England’s 25-year wait for a winner.
Since 2024, organisers France Football made the executive decision not to reveal the winner in advance in a bid to build suspense, although leaks in previous years led to the likes of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr boycotting the award after hearing Rodri was to be crowned the victor instead.
Kane with wife Katie at Oktoberfest in Munich last month
Kane was never going to miss Monday night’s iconic event, even if his family have had a hard time trying to stop stressing.
‘I think my wife would prefer to know and my family, it’s very stressful for everyone,’ Kane said last week.
‘From my point of view, of course, I’d love to know to just kind of see and not have to wait throughout the whole night. But it is their decision, I can’t control that. We’ll have to just enjoy it and try not to stress out too much.
‘I try not to think about it. Obviously it is hard not to. There are always rumours flying around and you try to stay away from it.’
In the end it was elation, rather than despair, for the Kane family as the suited up striker received the applause and recognition from his illustrious peers.