Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or, Ending 25-Year English Wait
· Sports · ABC News (AU), Al Jazeera, ESPN
English striker Harry Kane won the prestigious Ballon d'Or on Monday in London, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award in 25 years since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals for club and country last season, breaking scoring records in Germany. He also led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup. Among the nominees, Kane received the most votes, surpassing Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi. Separately, Spain's Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or after leading Barcelona to multiple trophies.
Why it matters
This victory ends a long wait for an English player to win football's top individual prize, highlighting Kane's exceptional season. It also recognises Alexia Putellas' continued dominance in women's football despite a previous injury.
Read the original report — ABC News (AU)
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.