Harry Kane has become the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the Ballon d’Or after being named the world’s best footballer at a ceremony in London on Monday night, Trybal News reports.
The 33 year old Bayern Munich striker claimed the prestigious award after an outstanding season in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country. He beat competition from Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi to take the top prize.
Harry Kane is the fifth Englishman to win the award. Stanley Matthews claimed the inaugural prize in 1956, while Bobby Charlton won in 1966. Kevin Keegan followed with back to back victories in 1978 and 1979.
Scotland’s Denis Law won in 1964, while Northern Ireland’s George Best took the honour in 1968. Kane’s success therefore adds another British name to the award’s history after a 25 year wait for an English winner.
Speaking after receiving the trophy in London, Kane struggled to hide his emotion and thanked everyone who voted for him.
“I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special,” said an emotional Harry Kane.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me, I can imagine it was tough, so thank you to everyone who voted for me. Congratulations to all the winners, all the nominees tonight. My Bayern Munich teammates, Michael, Upa, Luis.”
Kane Thanks Bayern Munich, Tottenham and His Family
Kane also paid tribute to Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, who was reportedly in hospital. The England captain credited the manager’s leadership with helping him develop both on and off the pitch.
“To Vinny, (Vincent Kompany) I know he’s at home, or I think still in the hospital. So, wishing you very well. Hope this has given you a bit of energy. It is a credit to yourself, since I have been with you I have improved as a player and as a person and that is testament to your leadership.”
The striker then turned his attention to Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent years developing before becoming one of the leading forwards in world football. Kane said the club played a major role in shaping his career from the age of 11.
“I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham for sure. I was there from 11 years old. All the guidance, all the coaches, you allow me to do live my dream. So for sure, without all those moments together all the ups and downs have led to me to this moment today.”
Kane also recognised the support he received from England’s players and coaching staff. As captain, he described representing his country as a great honour and praised the standards set by manager Thomas Tuchel and his team.
“To all my England teammates, it was truly an honour to captain you and lead you, so this one is for all of us for sure.
To Thomas Tuchel and the staff, the leadership, the way you drive us, the way you push standards, it is an honour to represent you, everyone at the FA, it is truly an honour to be your captain.”
His most personal words were reserved for his parents and his wife, Kate. Harry Kane thanked his family for their sacrifices throughout his career, including the journeys to training and matches across England and Germany. He said their support never came with pressure to become a professional footballer.
“All those years, the sacrifice you gave me, the times taking me to training, coming to watch me play all around England, all around Germany, there was never any pressure from you to become a footballer, it was always about learning and all those traits have allowed me to be the footballer I am today so thank you, I love you very much. I want to set a good example, being a father but also being a professional.
To my wife Kate, my best friend, we have been through ups and downs, you are my biggest supporter, here it is, we have done it. You always want the best for me, so I just want to say thank you, I love you, can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
The Ballon d’Or first appeared in 1956 and initially recognised only European players. Organisers opened the award to footballers from around the world in 1995.
Winning the prize does not always depend on success at a major international tournament. In four of the seven World Cup years since the award opened up, the winner has also lifted the World Cup, although Messi’s 2023 award followed Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 tournament, which took place in winter.
Before that, the last time the Ballon d’Or went to a World Cup winner in the same year was 2006. Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric all won the award in later years without winning the World Cup that season.
Kane’s achievement also stands out in the award’s recent history. It is only the fifth time in the past 20 years that the Ballon d’Or has gone to a player who did not win the World Cup, Champions League, European Championship or Copa America during the relevant period. Kane joins Messi, who achieved that feat three times, and Ronaldo in that select group.
