Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or in London, ending England’s 25-year wait for the prestigious award. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to claim the title. The ceremony took place at London’s Palladium Theatre. Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club appearances for Bayern during the 2025-2026 season.
Kane became the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001. His victory was celebrated with a gold champagne toast in a London nightclub. The event was hosted by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, who presented the awards live.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony saw a moment of awkwardness as Henry tried to correct Scott’s pronunciation during the event. Despite the slight misstep, the duo maintained a good rapport from their work on Champions League coverage. Kane’s win marks a significant milestone in English football history.
Kane’s achievement follows a record-breaking season, during which he demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency. His win also highlights the growing influence of English players on the global stage. The ceremony was attended by football legends and fans, celebrating the culmination of a historic campaign.
