Long night ends for Harry Kane with Ballon d’Or crown in London
· Sports · Sportstar, Times of India, Sky News
Harry Kane was crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner at the London Palladium, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim the award. The 33-year-old Tottenham forward secured the honour ahead of a field that included Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, with his tally of 73 goals — 61 for Bayern Munich in the prior season — forming the core of his case. Kane, who made his Spurs debut at 19, dedicated the win to his Bayern teammates and manager Vincent Kompany, who was reportedly still in hospital at the time. The ceremony marked a milestone for English football, ending a 25-year wait for a home-grown Ballon d’Or recipient.
Why it matters
Kane's victory ends England's 25-year Ballon d’Or drought and cements his status among the game's elite, potentially influencing the upcoming Ballon d’Or voting cycle and recognition for English players.
Read the original report — Sportstar
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