Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, following a prolific scoring campaign last season, while Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s Ballon d’Or.
Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season, finishing as Europe’s leading scorer and setting scoring records in Germany for Bayern Munich and at the World Cup, where he captained England to a third-place finish.
The 33-year-old striker said winning the prestigious individual award was the result of more than just his performances on the field, highlighting the importance of hard work, determination and self-belief.
“Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief,” an emotional Kane told young players in a message after reflecting on the challenges he faced early in his career.
“My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs,” he said. “I had to fight my way to be the very best right now. I hope that can give you inspiration as well.”
Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, 2024 winner Rodri and record eight-time winner Lionel Messi in the voting. Yamal was named the best young talent for the third consecutive year.
The England captain thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children and wife Kate for their support.
“It's past your bedtime,” he joked while thanking his children, before describing his wife as “my best friend”.
“We've been through ups and downs for sure. You're my biggest supporter. You always want the best for me,” he said.
Kane guided Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga and German Cup double, scoring a hat-trick against Stuttgart in the cup final. The German club also reached the semifinals of the Champions League.
At the World Cup, Kane scored six goals to surpass Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer, placing himself among the tournament's top five scorers in history.
England lost to Argentina in the semifinals but defeated Mbappe's France to finish third, securing the country's best World Cup result in 60 years.
Kane's achievement marked the first time an Englishman had won the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
“It's massive for England, for our country. (The ceremony) being here in London was a good omen for me,” Kane said.
“It's been too long. Certainly (there have been) incredible English players... To put us back on the map, to put us here with this trophy I'm extremely proud. Playing for England is my biggest honor, the thing I love to do the most.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, saying the national team was fortunate to have him as its leader.
“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 recognized by the football world,” Tuchel said.
Fans gathered in large numbers near the London Palladium, the venue for the ceremony, with some climbing light poles to catch a glimpse of the arriving footballers. Kane stopped to sign autographs on his way into the venue.
Supporters remained outside throughout the ceremony and chanted his name as he left the theatre near Oxford Circus after midnight.
Kane planned to celebrate the achievement with family and friends but said the festivities would be limited as Bayern have a cup match on Wednesday.
“We have a cup game on Wednesday so it can't get too messy,” he said, adding that he would take an early flight back to Munich on Tuesday to attend team training.
The ceremony was held in London for the first time to mark the 70th anniversary of the inaugural Ballon d'Or, won by England's Stanley Matthews in 1956.
Putellas claims third women's Ballon d'Or
Earlier, Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or, matching the record, after helping her former club Barcelona secure several trophies last season, including the Women's Champions League.
Putellas, who joined London City Lionesses during the offseason, also helped Spain win the Women's Nations League last December.
The 32-year-old ended the three-year reign of her Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati, who won the award in 2023, 2024 and 2025 but was not included on this year's shortlist after breaking her leg in December.
Putellas previously won the award in 2021 and 2022 before tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that coincided with Bonmati's rise to prominence.
The women's Ballon d'Or was first introduced in 2018, with Ada Hegerberg becoming its inaugural winner.
Encouraging young players to pursue their ambitions with love and passion, Putellas urged them to believe in themselves.
“Believe in yourself, that's the most important thing,” she said. “If you have a dream, go for it, even if at some point you have to start from zero.”
Putellas joined Barcelona in 2012 and described her time at the Catalan club as a special experience.
“I'm really grateful for having 14 seasons as a player (at Barcelona),” she said. “What I experienced last year was like a perfect story.”