Harry Kane ends England's 25-year wait for a Ballon d'Or winner – video

The Bayern Munich striker and England captain has scored 89 goals for club and country since August 2025 Harry Kane became the first Englishman to win football’s most prestigious individual trophy in 25 years at a lavish ceremony in London. The Bayern Munich striker followed in Michael Owen's footsteps after finishing ahead of co-favourites Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid.

Harry Kane claims men’s Ballon d’Or to end England’s 25-year wait for winner

Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich and captains England, received the men’s Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in London. His award made him England’s first winner of the individual football honour in a quarter-century, following Michael Owen as an English recipient. Since August 2025, he has registered 89 goals across his club and international appearances.

The Bayern forward placed ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, both described as co-favourites. The recognition was for the men’s Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual trophy. Kane’s victory ended the 25-year gap between English winners of the award at the lavish London event.