King Kane's crowning glory

Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d'Or on Monday thanks to his prolific scoring last season.

Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last term — he was Europe's top scorer — and smashed scoring records in Germany and at the World Cup, where he captained England to a third-place finish.

The Bayern Munich star says the achievement was built on so much more.

"Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief," an emotional Kane said in a message to young boys and girls, after reflecting on his early career struggles.

"My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs," he added. "I had to fight my way to be the very best right now. I hope that can give you inspiration as well."

The 33-year-old Kane beat Lamine Yamal, who was voted the best young talent for a third straight year, 2024 winner Rodri and record eight-time winner Lionel Messi.

"I'd say a dream come true, but it's beyond my wildest dreams, so just incredible," said the proud England captain.

"I think it's massive for England, for our country. Being here in London was a good omen for me, and it's been too long. To put us back on the map, and put us here with this trophy, I'm extremely proud."

Kane thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children — "It's past your bedtime" — and "best friend," his wife Kate. "We've been through ups and downs, for sure. You're my biggest supporter. You always want the best for me."

He led Bayern to the Bundesliga and German Cup double, scoring a hat-trick against Stuttgart in the cup final. Then, at the World Cup, he scored six times to surpass Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer and place himself among the all-time top five in tournament history. His side lost to Argentina in the semifinals, but beat France for third place, England's best World Cup placing in 60 years.

But, at the age of 33, he believes he can still win some of the biggest prizes in football.

"I still have a lot to achieve in this game. The Champions League at club level, and to win a major trophy with England is the No 1 priority for sure," he added. "There are so many great things I want to achieve."

An Englishman hadn't won the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said the Three Lions were "lucky to have you as our leader".

"I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I'm delighted to see that you have now been formally recognized by the football world," Tuchel said.

Monday's ceremony was held in London for the first time, in recognition of the inaugural winner 70 years ago, England's Stanley Matthews in 1956.

Putellas' hat-trick

Earlier, Spain star Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or after leading her former club Barcelona to multiple trophies last season, including the Women's Champions League.

Putellas, who joined London City Lionesses in the summer, also helped Spain win the Women's Nations League last December.

The 32-year-old midfielder ended Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati's three-year reign.

Putellas won the prestigious award in back-to-back seasons — 2021 and '22 — before tearing her ACL and seeing Bonmati rise to stardom. Bonmati, who completed her women's Ballon d'Or three-peat in 2025, was not on this year's short list after breaking her leg in December.

Putellas urged young boys and girls to approach the sport with "love and passion".

"Believe in yourself, that's the most important thing," she said. "If you have a dream, go for it, even if at some point you have to start from zero."