Harry Kane won his first Ballon d’Or in London, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal after scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country last season. He helped Bayern win the German league and cup double and scored six goals as England finished third at the World Cup.
The 33-year-old received the award in his hometown at the first Ballon d’Or ceremony held in England.
“I love to represent my country and to bring this trophy back to them and have an English winner I think is something that’s really, really special, especially here in London,” Kane told AFP.
England and Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, Kane said joining Bayern in 2023 had helped him improve and taken his game to another level.
Mbappe finished second despite topping the scoring charts in the World Cup, Champions League and La Liga, as his goals did not bring team success for France or Real Madrid.
Yamal placed third, missing the chance to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner. However, the 19-year-old Barcelona winger claimed the young player of the year award for a third consecutive time.
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time after helping Barcelona win last season’s Champions League before moving to London City Lionesses.
The 2021 and 2022 winner succeeded Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati, who had won the previous three awards but suffered a season-ending leg injury.
“This is a consequence of all that we achieved last season,” Putellas said.
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente won men’s coach of the year after leading his country to World Cup glory, beating Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching award.
Spanish duo Unai Simon and Cata Coll were named the best men’s and women’s goalkeepers, respectively. Paris Saint-Germain claimed men’s club of the year after winning a second consecutive Champions League title.
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