Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or after a sensational year for Bayern Munich, becoming the first English player to claim the award in a quarter of a century. The England captain's remarkable 73-goal season for club and country earned him the prestigious individual honour.
Record-breaking season
Kane's stellar year included helping Bayern Munich win a domestic Treble and leading England to the semi-finals of the World Cup, where they finished third - the country's best-ever finish on foreign soil. His goals were spectacular, and his performances continue to improve as he evolves as a player.
Last week, Kane became only the second player in Champions League history to score in ten consecutive matches when he netted against Arsenal. The only other player to achieve this was five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in 11 successive matches for Real Madrid between June 2017 and April 2018.
Bucking the trend
In a World Cup year, the Ballon d'Or normally goes to a player for his achievement in the tournament. Luka Modric was a notable exception in 2018, but even he won for helping Croatia reach the final. Kane has bucked the trend because his performances have been so impressive.
While Lamine Yamal impressed for Barcelona and Spain, and Rodri was magnificent in helping Spain win the World Cup in the United States, neither matched Kane's achievement from an individual perspective. The Bayern striker has been consistent and prolific, and despite the award being about individual success, he has an incredible team ethic.
Journey to the top
Kane's goal against Arsenal also took his tally to 156 in 158 appearances since joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham in 2023. Bayern legend Uli Hoeness, the club's honorary president, has described him as their "best-ever signing."
Kane had to fight to succeed. Released by Arsenal as a kid, loaned out to Leyton Orient, Norwich, Millwall and Leicester, he struggled to make it at Tottenham. When told he was not quick enough, he worked endlessly on his speed and acceleration with resistance training. When he realised he needed to improve his technique, he spent endless sessions on his finishing and control.
Now he is not just a great finisher and England's record scorer, but also an all-round player because of his ability to drop deep, pass and provide assists. Back in 2017, a few columnists poked fun at Kane when, still at Tottenham and only 24, he talked about trying to emulate the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo.
"A football career is a short career, so you have got to make the most of every day," he said. "I use it as inspiration. With social media these days it's difficult to stay away from it. I want to be one of the best players in the world, so when people put it up and I see I am close to those players, it is a great incentive to get closer and go to the next step."
Fitting recognition
Kane went from strength to strength at Tottenham, scored goals, helped revive the club and earned himself a move to Bayern Munich. One goal in particular stands out - against Inter Milan in April 2025, when he fought, battled and then wriggled past two defenders before digging the ball out to fire into the top corner.
It is fitting that he has become the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to win this award. He has his own Foundation which champions mental health conversations, wellbeing, good health and to build resilience in young people. Kane said last week how nervous he is and how his wife Kate wanted to know in advance, showing he remains a humble superstar.
