10/26/2026 07:17:00
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10/26 19:15 CDT Kane becomes first Englishman in 25 years to win Ballon d'Or
and Putellas wins her third
Kane becomes first Englishman in 25 years to win Ballon d'Or and Putellas wins
her third
By KEN MAGUIRE
AP Sports Writer
LONDON (AP) --- Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the
Ballon d'Or on Monday thanks to his prolific scoring last season.
Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season --- he was Europe's top
scorer --- and smashed scoring records in Germany and at the World Cup, where
he captained England to a third-place finish.
The Bayern Munich star says the achievement was built on so much more.
"Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go
through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and
self-belief," an emotional Kane said in a message to young boys and girls,
after reflecting on his early career struggles.
"My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the
top. I had to experience the downs," he added. "I had to fight my way to be the
very best right now. I hope that can give you inspiration as well."
The 33-year-old Kane was followed in the voting by Kylian Mbapp, Lamine Yamal
--- voted best young talent for a third straight year --- 2024 winner Rodri and
record eight-time winner Lionel Messi.
Kane thanked his teammates, coaches, parents, children --- "It's past your
bedtime" --- and wife Kate, "my best friend. We've been through ups and downs
for sure. You're my biggest supporter. You always want the best for me."
He led Bayern to the Bundesliga and German Cup double, scoring a hat trick
against Stuttgart in the cup final.
At the World Cup, he scored six times to pass Gary Lineker as England's
all-time leading World Cup scorer and place himself among the all-time top five
in tournament history. They lost to Argentina in the semifinals but beat
Mbapp's France for third place, England's best World Cup placing in 60 years.
An Englishman hadn't won the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
England coach Thomas Tuchel said the Three Lions were "lucky to have you as our
leader."
"I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but
I'm delighted to see that you have now been formally recognized by the football
world," Tuchel said.
Monday's ceremony was held in London for the first time in recognition of the
inaugural winner 70 years ago, England's Stanley Matthews in 1956.
Putellas hat trick of awards
Earlier, Spain star Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or after
leading her former club Barcelona to multiple trophies last season including
the Women's Champions League.
Putellas, who joined London City Lionesses in the offseason, also helped Spain
win the Women's Nations League last December.
The 32-year-old midfielder ended Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati's three-year
reign.
Putellas won the prestigious award in back-to-back seasons --- 2021 and ?22 ---
before tearing her ACL and seeing Bonmati rise to stardom. Bonmati, who
completed her women's Ballon d'Or three-peat in 2025, was not on this year's
shortlist after breaking her leg in December.
Putellas urged young boys and girls to approach the sport with "love and
passion."
"Believe in yourself, that's the most important thing," she said. "If you have
a dream, go for it, even if at some point you have to start from zero."
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