Harry Kane has been crowned the world's best player after winning the Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in London on Monday. The 33-year-old striker becomes the first Englishman to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001 and only the fifth English winner overall.
Kane's victory caps a remarkable season in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England during the 2025–26 campaign. He is England's all-time leading scorer with 91 goals from a record-equalling 125 caps, and holds Tottenham Hotspur's scoring record with 280 goals in 435 games.
The award completes a journey that began with loan spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City. Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood recalled how Kane thrived in the hostile atmosphere at Millwall, while Norwich boss Chris Hughton noted his dedication to extra finishing practice. Kane later admitted the 2013 Championship play-off defeat with Leicester was a low point that fueled self-doubt.
Since joining Bayern Munich in August 2023, Kane has won two Bundesliga titles, silencing critics who pointed to his lack of silverware at Spurs. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy praised his professionalism and technical brilliance, while Alan Shearer highlighted Kane's humility and work ethic as an example for young players.
Despite the individual accolade, Kane remains focused on team success with England, targeting Euro 2028 on home soil after two European Championship final defeats and two World Cup semi-final exits. He returns to action with Bayern against Magdeburg in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday before a Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
