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Kane beats Yamal and Mbappe to claim Ballon d’Or glory
By Administrator
Published on 10/28/2026 08:00
Sports

LONDON — Harry Kane became England’s first Ballon d’Or winner in 25 years in his native city of London on Monday, beating Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.

 

Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s prize for a third time to extend Spain’s domination of the award, thanks to her role in leading Barcelona to last season’s Champions League before moving to London City Lionesses.

 

The first ever Ballon d’Or ceremony on English soil got off to an inauspicious start as the London traffic caused a delay of nearly an hour, with many of the star names arriving late.

 

But there was a happy ending for the hometown hero as Kane collected the crowning glory of his career to date, becoming the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.

 

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich forward struck a remarkable 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double.

 

He also scored six times as England finished third at the World Cup.

 

“I love to represent my country and to bring this trophy back to them and have an English winner I think is something that’s really, really special, especially here in London,” Kane told AFP. “What a crazy night and I’m really, really happy.”

 

Despite being England and Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer, Kane’s medal collection is limited to German domestic triumphs.

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