Harry Kane Says Ballon d’Or Win Left Him ‘Almost Speechless’

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or after a season that the report describes as the most prolific of his career, completing a long pursuit of football’s most prominent individual prize. The Bayern Munich and England striker said he was “almost speechless” as he accepted the award in London. Kane is the first Englishman to win the honour in 25 years, since Michael Owen received it in 2001. Speaking at the ceremony, he thanked the voters and congratulated the other nominees and winners. He also said the London setting made the occasion especially meaningful. The report credits Kane with 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions during the 2025-26 season. Bayern completed a domestic league and cup double, while Kane emerged as Europe’s leading goalscorer. The article says his move to the German club in 2023 helped bring team trophies that had previously eluded him. Kane’s success also extended to the international stage. He scored six goals at the World Cup and captained England to the semifinals, according to the report. His award-winning campaign followed a gradual rise: as a young player at Tottenham, he was sent on several loan spells before establishing himself as a leading centre-forward. In his acceptance remarks, Kane reflected on that uneven path and encouraged young people to keep working towards their ambitions. He said he had not gone straight to the top and had to learn from setbacks before becoming the player he is today. Kane thanked the coaches who had guided him, along with Tottenham Hotspur and his wife, Kate. He also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo, one of his childhood idols, who presented the award. Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time at the same ceremony.