England captain Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or for the first time, ending a 25-year wait for the country. He beat Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim the prestigious award. Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season, a sensational performance that earned him the top spot. The London crowd chanted his name as he stepped on stage to accept his prize.
Kane expressed his gratitude and speechlessness upon receiving the award. He thanked everyone who voted for him and congratulated the other winners and nominees. The top 10 standings saw Kane in first place, followed by Mbappé, Yamal, Rodri, Lionel Messi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, and Fabián Ruiz. The award ceremony was held in London, making it an extra special moment for Kane.
Alexia Putellas made history by winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or for a record-equalling third time. The Spain star, who plays for London City Lionesses, won the quadruple with Barcelona last season before joining her new club. Putellas thanked her former Barcelona teammates and head coach Pere Romeu, who also won the Women’s Coach of the Year award. She scored 26 goals and registered 15 assists in 53 matches for club and country.
Other winners at the ceremony included Mexico’s Charlyn Corral, who won Women’s Striker of the Year with 42 goals in 42 games. Harry Kane also picked up the Men’s Best Striker award, which is based on statistics alone. Barcelona and Spain star Vicky López won the Women’s Young Talent of the Year award for the second year running, while Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year for a third consecutive year.
The ceremony saw a dominant performance by Spanish players and coaches. Barcelona star Cata Coll won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, and Unai Simón won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Pere Romeu was named Women’s Coach of the Year, and Luis de la Fuente won Men’s Coach of the Year after Spain’s World Cup success.
England had another winner at the ceremony, with Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka winning the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work. Saka partnered with BigShoe to fund 120 life-changing medical conditions and operations for children in Kenya and Nigeria. The award recognizes his efforts in giving back to the community.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated the best in football, with Kane’s win marking a significant moment for England. The country has produced talented players, and Kane’s award will inspire future generations. The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of women in football, with Putellas and other female players and coaches receiving recognition for their outstanding performances.
Key points
- Harry Kane wins first Ballon d’Or, ending 25-year wait for England.
- Alexia Putellas claims Women’s Ballon d’Or for record-equalling third time.
- Spain dominates ceremony with multiple awards for players and coaches.
