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Harry Kane Ballon d’Or Win: Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, capping off a remarkable season for club and country. Kane scored 73 goals across all competitions and finished as Europe’s top scorer during a campaign in which he also broke multiple scoring records in Germany.
The 33-year-old striker, who captains England, also led the national team to a third-place finish at the World Cup. Kane's performances placed him ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, 2024 winner Rodri and record eight-time winner Lionel Messi in the voting.
According to Reuters, Kane expressed his delight after taking the stage to receive the award.
"Wow, wow, wow!" Kane said. "I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year."
Harry Kane Career: Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich
Widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation, Harry Edward Kane has established a reputation for clinical finishing, consistency and leadership.
Tottenham Hotspur
Kane spent most of his career at Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 280 goals in all competitions. He became the club's all-time leading goalscorer before leaving in 2023.
Bayern Munich
Kane joined Bayern Munich in August 2023. According to the source information, he won the Bundesliga Golden Boot in each of his first three seasons at the club. His goal-scoring performances for Bayern Munich culminated in a record-breaking campaign, with 73 goals across all competitions during the season in which he won the Ballon d’Or.
England National Team
Kane captains England and is the country's all-time leading men's international goalscorer, with 91 goals as of October 2026. He also led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or, often described as football's highest individual honour, is awarded annually by France Football to the world's best player based on performances throughout the season.
Winning the coveted "Golden Ball" places a player among the sport's all-time greats. Kane's victory makes him the first English winner in 25 years, following his record-breaking season with Bayern Munich.
Men's Ballon d’Or Winners Since 2021
Harry Kane joins a list of football's biggest names to have won the Ballon d’Or in recent years.
Kane succeeded Ousmane Dembélé, who won the award in 2025 after leading Paris Saint-Germain to major success. Before Dembélé, Rodri claimed the honour in 2024 following his performances for Manchester City.
Lionel Messi won the award in 2023, adding to his legacy after also securing it in 2021. In 2022, Karim Benzema lifted the trophy after starring for Real Madrid.
The recent winners reflect the achievements of several of football's leading players, with Kane becoming the latest addition to the list following his performances for Bayern Munich.
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