By lifting the most prestigious individual trophy, Harry Kane becomes the fifth English player in history to win the Ballon d'Or. He ends a 25-year drought for British football and joins an elite group of legends: Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979), Michael Owen (2001) and now Harry Kane (2026).
Harry Kane's 2025-2026 season was defined by unprecedented consistency and clinical finishing in the modern game: 61 goals and 7 assists in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, plus 11 goals and 3 assists for England. The Englishman finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer (36 goals), was the second-highest scorer in the Champions League (14 goals) and won the European Golden Shoe.
On receiving the Ballon d'Or, Kane said: "Being in London is special, thank you to everyone who voted for me; I'm sure it was tough to pick.
"Congratulations to all the winners and nominees; it's a real showing of what hard work and determination can do."
"Without you guys (his 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."
Kane's former Bayern boss and current England manager Thomas Tuchel had some kind words for the England captain. He said: "Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon D’Or! I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.
"To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader. I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.’‘