Harry Kane wins the men’s Ballon d’Or after scoring 73 goals last season, while Spain’s Alexia Putellas claims the women’s prize for the third time.
The Bayern Munich forward receives football’s most prestigious individual award at the ceremony in London on Monday, beating competition from Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.
Kane becomes England’s first Ballon d’Or winner in 25 years, capping a remarkable season in which he helped Bayern secure a domestic league and cup double.
The 33-year-old scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, while also netting six times as England finished third at the World Cup.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kane credits his Bayern teammates for helping him reach the pinnacle of his career.
“Without you guys and the rest of the team, it wouldn’t be possible; the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much,” he says.
Kane’s success follows his decision to leave Tottenham for Bayern Munich, a move he says has elevated his performance.“Some people saw it as a risk, but for me it was always about improving and seeing if I could get better around the teammates, the team, the club, and it has pushed me onto another level,” he tells AFP.
He adds: “Being a number nine for Bayern and England, you are expected to score goals and to do that the number of times I did last year is something I’m really proud of.”
Despite his prolific scoring record, Kane has experienced several painful defeats in major finals, including the Champions League final with Tottenham and two European Championship finals with England.
His latest achievement marks a significant personal milestone.
Spain’s Alexia Putellas wins the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, returning to the top of women’s football after overcoming a serious knee injury.
The Barcelona midfielder, who previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, earns the honour after helping her club win last season’s Champions League before moving to London City Lionesses.
She succeeds Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí, who wins the award in the previous three years but misses most of last season after suffering a leg fracture.
Putellas says her injury has changed how she approaches her career and achievements.
“Ever since I suffered the injury, I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment as if it were my last, because you never know if it’ll happen again,” she tells AFP.
“I never felt that the trophy was ‘mine’… Having already experienced it once, I’m able to enjoy it even more now,” she adds.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal wins the young player of the year award for the third consecutive time but misses the chance to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner.
The 19-year-old, who attracts attention with a pink flower on his black suit, falls short of the main prize despite his impressive performances.
Mbappe also misses out on the Ballon d’Or despite a prolific season for Real Madrid and France.
The French forward scores twice as Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 2-1 in Sunday’s El Clasico, but his wait for football’s top individual honour continues.
De la Fuente wins men’s coach award
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente wins the men’s coach of the year award after leading his team to World Cup glory.
He beats Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to the honour.
“I’m really privileged to work with a team of such high quality on a professional and human level,” de la Fuente says.
Barcelona’s Pere Romeu wins the women’s coach of the year award, while Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka receives the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work.
Paris Saint-Germain, despite winning a second consecutive Champions League title, misses out on the main individual awards but claims the men’s club of the year prize.
Spain’s Unai Simón and Cata Coll win the men’s and women’s goalkeeper awards respectively.
The ceremony, the first Ballon d’Or event held on English soil, starts nearly an hour late because of London traffic, delaying the arrival of several high-profile guests.
