Harry Kane clinches Ballon d'Or, first English winner in 25 years

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Wednesday, becoming the first English player to claim the award in 25 years. He topped Europe’s scoring charts last season with 73 goals for club and country. His goals helped Bayern capture the Bundesliga and the DFB‑Pokal, delivering a domestic double and ending a five‑year drought in the cup competition. The Ballon d'Or, presented by France Football, is regarded as the sport’s top individual honour. In the women’s game, Spain’s Alexia Putellas beat teammate Aitana Bonmati to win the Women’s Ballon d’Or, ahead of Polish striker Ewa Pajor and Jamaican Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw. For the men’s prize, France’s Kylian Mbappe finished second and Spain’s Lamine Yamal third.

Context

The Ballon d'Or is voted on by journalists and national‑team captains worldwide, making it a key measure of a player’s impact over the season.