Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or to end 25-year wait for England

Harry Kane has become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or, ending a wait that began when Michael Owen received football’s top individual award in 2001. The Bayern Munich striker was named the world’s best player at a ceremony in London after scoring 61 goals in 51 club matches last season.

Kane, 33, is the fifth English winner, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. He is also the first Bayern player to win the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

“I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special,” Kane said. He thanked those who voted for him and congratulated the other nominees.

His club tally was a record for a Bayern player in a single season and 19 goals more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. He finished as the Bundesliga’s leading scorer with 36 goals, 17 clear of the next player, and scored 14 in the Champions League, where Bayern lost in the semi-finals.

Including England matches, Kane scored 73 goals and provided eight assists in 65 appearances. His 12 goals for England last season included six at the World Cup.

The award recognises Kane’s individual output despite Bayern not winning the Champions League and England falling short at the World Cup. Bayern did win the German league and cup double.

Kane’s victory is only the fifth in the past 20 years to go to a player who had not won the World Cup, Champions League or a major international tournament in the award period, BBC Sport reported. Lamine Yamal, one of the favourites after winning the World Cup with Spain, finished behind him.