Harry Kane has made football history by becoming the first English player in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or, following an extraordinary goalscoring season for Bayern Munich and England.
The 33-year-old striker received the prestigious award at a ceremony in London, finishing ahead of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
Kane becomes only the fifth Englishman to claim the honour, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen, who was the last English winner in 2001.
The England captain’s triumph follows a remarkable campaign in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern, setting a new club record. His tally rose to 73 goals in 65 matches when international appearances were included.
Speaking to Dazn after receiving the award, Kane reflected on his difficult journey to the top.
“Not many people would have thought it, and maybe even I wouldn’t have thought I’d be this far,” he said.
“I had to go through many ups and downs, especially early in my career. I was never the person that people thought was going to be the superstar like some of the guys now.”
Kane added that patience, determination and self-belief helped him overcome challenges throughout his career.
His remarkable season included 36 Bundesliga goals, 14 Champions League strikes and 10 German Cup goals. He also scored a hat-trick against Stuttgart in the German Cup final, helping Bayern secure a domestic double.
Despite missing out on the World Cup and Champions League titles, Kane’s individual performances proved decisive in the Ballon d’Or voting.
England manager Thomas Tuchel described the achievement as a “huge honour” and said he was “delighted” for his captain.
Prince William also congratulated Kane, praising him as a “brilliant captain” and “remarkable player”.
Former England striker Alan Shearer had backed Kane for the award, describing his goalscoring numbers as “absolutely sensational”.
The achievement also makes Kane the first Bayern Munich player to win the Ballon d’Or since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
Wembley Stadium marked the historic occasion by illuminating its famous arches in gold.
Kane has already made an impressive start to the new campaign, scoring 16 goals in 16 appearances for club and country.
With Bayern unbeaten in the Bundesliga and Champions League, the striker could emerge as a strong contender to retain his crown next year.
However, competition from Yamal and Mbappe is expected to be fierce as the race for football’s biggest individual honour begins again.
Image credits: Alex Grimm / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
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