Harry Kane has become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or for 25 years after being crowned the winner at Monday’s ceremony in London.
Kane scored a sensational 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England in 2025-26, while he won the Bundesliga title for the second time.
The last English winner last came in 2001 when Michael Owen won the award, while he is only the fifth English player to win it ever after inaugural victor Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) the others.
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.
“Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve.”
“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. T
“o 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.
“Since I have been with you I have improved as player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. An honour to play for Bayern Munich.
“To represent you is a real privilege. 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. We built a great bond together.
“The togetherness in the hotel in the World Cup. 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.”
Ballon d’Or Men’s Player of the Year leaderboard
11) Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid and England
12) Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona and Spain
13) Achraf Hakimi – PSG and Morocco
14) Vitinha – PSG and Portugal
15) Declan Rice – Arsenal and England
16) Ferran Torres – Barcelona/PSG and Spain
17) Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid and Brazil
18) Marc Cucurella – Chelsea/Real Madrid and Spain
19) Joao Neves – PSG and Portugal
20) Willian Pacho – PSG and Ecuador
21) Gabriel – Arsenal and Brazil
22) Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan and Argentina
23) Nuno Mendes – PSG and Portugal
24) Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich and Colombia
25) Marquinhos – PSG and Brazil
26) Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich and France
27) Bruno Fernandes – Man Utd and Portugal
28) Julian Quinones – Al Qadsiah and Mexico
29=) William Saliba – Arsenal and France
29=) Sadio Mane – Al Nassr and Senegal
Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2026: TV channel, live online stream
In most territories, you can watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony free on DAZN.
Viewers without an existing DAZN account should create a free membership using their email address.
For other territories, visit UEFA’s Ballon d’Or broadcast list.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
