Harry Kane has officially claimed the Ballon d’Or, ending a 23-year drought for English players and securing his place in football history. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was crowned the world’s best player at a ceremony in London, becoming the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. This victory marks a historic milestone, as Kane joins an exclusive group of only five English winners, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan, with Denis Law and George Best representing the broader United Kingdom.
Kane ends 23-year wait for English winner, leaving Mbappe and Yamal behind
The award was a direct reward for Kane’s record-breaking campaign, during which he shattered Bayern Munich’s all-time single-season goalscoring record in his third year at the club. His dominance on the pitch outshone the competition, forcing Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and France into second place, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal completed the podium in third. Kane’s performance not only silenced critics but also established him as the definitive player of the season, surpassing the high expectations set by his peers.
Reflecting on his achievement, Kane expressed genuine surprise at his success, telling Dazn, “Not many people would have thought it, and maybe even I wouldn’t have thought I’d be this far.” This humility contrasts with the monumental scale of his accomplishment, which cements his legacy as one of the greatest English forwards of all time. For fans wondering if Mbappe won the Ballon d’Or, the answer is definitive: Kane’s superior statistical output and consistent excellence secured the trophy, marking a new era for English football on the global stage.
Source: BBC
