Harry Kane ends England's 25-year wait for Ballon d'Or

Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to win football's most prestigious individual trophy in 25 years.

The England and Bayern Munich striker was crowned the best men's footballing talent in the world at a ceremony in London after scoring 73 goals across the 2025/26 season.

Kane, who was also named men's striker of the year at the event, won two trophies in Germany and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with Bayern Munich last season.

He also led England to a third-place World Cup finish, scoring six goals to become the Three Lions' all-time top scorer in the competition.

Kane, who had never finished higher than 10th in the Ballon d'Or previously, beat Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to the prize, voted by an international panel of football journalists managed by France Football.

He becomes the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane's England teammates Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham finished 15th and 11th in the rankings respectively.

"I am almost speechless," Kane said in his acceptance speech.

"Being here in London has made it extra special. [It] made it a good omen for me tonight."

The 33-year-old went on to thank his England teammates and staff, as well as those at his current club Bayern Munich, including manager Vincent Kompany, who is recovering after collapsing at the team's training ground on Friday.

Kane also thanked his former club Tottenham Hotspur, and paid tribute to his family, adding: "I know how much support you give me. We all live these emotions together."

He said his children are "the reason I do this" and described his wife, Kate, as "my biggest supporter".

"You always want the best for me. You sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my dreams. It wouldn't be possible without you," he added.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Harry Kane ends England's 25-year wait for Ballon d'Or