Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player in 25 years to be crowned the world’s best player.

The 33-year-old was supported by wife Katie Goodland at the London Palladium on Monday night as a phenomenal individual season saw him edge out Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to the top prize.

While Yamal went on to win the World Cup in the summer, defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final, and Mbappe became the leading scorer in World Cup history, Kane’s magnificent goalscoring season separated him from his peers.

En route to winning the double with Bayern Munich, as well as guiding England to a third-placed finish at the World Cup, Kane scored 73 goals.

His 61 goals for Bayern Munich saw Kane become the first player to hit that total in a single season since Cristiano Ronaldo scored 61 for Real Madrid in 2014-15.

That total was 19 more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues and his complete total, adding his 12 goals for England, saw him finish with 73. Mbappe would wrap up with 58 and Yamal finished with 25.

Adding assists, Kane’s total goal involvements last season came to a staggering 81.

'Wow, wow, wow,' Kane said after receiving the honour. I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. 

'Thank you to everyone who voted for me, I can imagine it was tough this year.

Kane was emotional on stage as he thanked each of the managers and coaches he has played under, while also tearing up as he spoke of the importance of his parents in helping him to the crowning moment of his career. 

'Mum and dad, what a moment. All those years, the sacrifice, the support you gave me. Taking me to training, coming to watch me play. No matter where it was, even to this day you're there,' Kane said.

'All those traits you have given me have allowed me to be successful and be here tonight.

"My kids back home watching - it is past your bedtime! You're the reason I do this. This one is a special one. I can't wait to see you and celebrate with you. I love you very much.

'My wife Kate, my best friend, you're my biggest supporter. We have done it. You always want the best for me. You sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my reams. It wouldn't be possible without you.'

Kane continued: 'Without you guys [Bayern Munich team-mates] and the rest of the team it wouldn't be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete, so thank you very much. 

'To Vinny [Vincent Kompany]. I know he is at home or still in the hospital. Wishing you well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy. To all the staff we way train and the way you push us it is a credit to yourself.

'Since I have been with you I have improved as player, improved as a person and a leader. It is an honour to play for Bayern Munich, to represent you is a real privilege and I am glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich.'

'To my England team-mates, again the same, we had a special year. It wasn't the perfect year, but we had a load of great moments. 

'It is an honour to captain you and lead you. It makes me extremely proud. This one is for all of us for sure, Thomas Tuchel and the staff at England, again the leadership the way you drive us, the way you push standards is something to be admired.' 

There was also special mention to his former team Tottenham Hotspur.

‘I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well,’ an emotional Kane said.

‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham for sure. I was there from 11 years old.

‘You allowed me to live my dream so without all those ups and downs along the way, that journey has led me to this moment today.

'To all the fans, Bayern, England fans, Spurs fans and all my fans around the world. I love you in this room tonight. 

'I remember being a fan not long ago and what it means to play football. It was a dream of mine. Any time I can give back to you guys is an honour and privilege to do so.'

Kane’s success on Monday night means that he has become the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen was crowned the world’s best player in 2001.

Since then, Ronaldo (Brazil), Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic), Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Kaka (Brazil), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Luka Modric (Croatia), Karim Benzema (France), Rodri (Spain), and Ousmane Dembele (France) have all won it.

Kane’s victory means he is also the first player from the Bundesliga to win the award since Matthias Sammer of Borussia Dortmund, won it in 1996.

 

Kane had been the bookmakers’ favourite for the award for some time and he has had to contend with plenty of noise around whether he will end England’s 25-year wait for a winner.

Since 2024, organisers France Football made the executive decision not to reveal the winner in advance in a bid to build suspense, although leaks in previous years led to the likes of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr boycotting the award after hearing Rodri was to be crowned the victor instead.

Kane was never going to miss Monday night’s iconic event, even if his family have had a hard time trying to stop stressing.

‘I think my wife would prefer to know and my family, it's very stressful for everyone,’ Kane said last week.

‘From my point of view, of course, I'd love to know to just kind of see and not have to wait throughout the whole night. But it is their decision, I can't control that. We'll have to just enjoy it and try not to stress out too much.

‘I try not to think about it. Obviously it is hard not to. There are always rumours flying around and you try to stay away from it.’

In the end it was elation, rather than despair, for the Kane family as the suited up striker received the applause and recognition from his illustrious peers.