How 'anti-superstar' Kane defied doubters to become world's best
· Sports · BBC Sport, BBC News
Harry Kane, 33, was crowned the world's best player, winning the Ballon d'Or at the London Palladium. This achievement follows a career marked by early struggles, including loan spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City, and Leicester City. Kane is England's top goalscorer with 91 goals from 125 caps, and Tottenham Hotspur's record scorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances. During the 2025–26 season, he scored 73 goals in 65 games for Bayern Munich and England. He surpassed Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal for the prestigious individual honour.
Why it matters
Kane's Ballon d'Or win ends England's 25-year wait for the award, solidifying his status as a global football icon. His journey from lower-division loans to the sport's pinnacle serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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