Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or on Monday in London after a record-breaking season for Bayern Munich and England.
The Bayern Munich and England striker scored 61 goals in 51 games for his club and 12 for his country, leading England to the World Cup semi-finals. He is the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001, and the fifth overall, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.
Kane received the trophy at a ceremony in his hometown, where he also claimed the Gerd Müller Trophy as the season’s top scorer. “Wow, wow, wow! I am almost speechless,” he said. “Being here in London has made it extra special. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year. Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight.”
Kylian Mbappé finished second in the voting, with Lamine Yamal third, Rodri fourth, and Lionel Messi fifth. Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
