Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or, first English winner in 25 years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or award, becoming the first English player to claim the prize since Michael Owen in 2001.

Harry Kane has become the first English winner of the Ballon d'Or in 25 years after being honoured at London Palladium on Monday night. Michael Owen was the last English player to receive the prestigious individual accolade in 2001. Kane's incredible 73-goal haul last season for club and country earned him the award from French magazine France Football.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe provided strong competition for Kane. The trio were announced as winners on the official website hours before the ceremony, causing some confusion. The awards were pushed back by 30 minutes to start at 8.30pm, but Kane received the 70th Ballon d'Or to enormous cheers and chants inside the venue, minutes after Alexia Putellas claimed the women's prize for a third time.

On stage, Kane said: 'Being in London, it is extra special, it felt like a good omen.' He thanked England, Bayern Munich and former club Tottenham. Kane added: 'For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible.' He joins previous English winners Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.

How it is being reported

• English goalscoring machine crowned Ballon d'Or kingThe world's best soccer players have gathered in London for the glittering Ballon d'Or ceremony and a local lad has scooped the biggest prize.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 23:31
• English goalscoring machine crowned Ballon d'Or kingThe world's best soccer players have gathered in London for the glittering Ballon d'Or ceremony and a local lad has scooped the biggest prize.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 23:31

In this story: Harry Kane · Michael Owen · Bayern Munich · Lamine Yamal · Kylian Mbappe · Alexia Putellas · London · France Football

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