Harry Kane has reportedly become the first English footballer in 25 years to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following a remarkable season in which his goalscoring exploits helped Bayern Munich secure major silverware.
The 33-year-old striker was named the winner at a star-studded ceremony in London on Monday, according to the report, bringing an end to England’s long wait for another winner of football’s most prestigious individual award.
Kane’s reported achievement would represent a major milestone in his career, having spent years establishing himself as one of the most consistent goalscorers in European football. His success has been built on his finishing ability, intelligent movement, leadership and capacity to deliver in high-pressure matches.
Speaking after the announcement, Kane reportedly expressed his pride in representing England and bringing the trophy home.
“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,” he said.
According to the report, Kane scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country over the past year, helping Bayern Munich secure a league and cup double.
His reported contribution to England’s campaign also included 12 goals, with six coming at the World Cup. Those figures, if confirmed, would underline the scale of his influence at both club and international levels.
Kane’s career has been defined by his ability to combine goalscoring with creativity. Unlike forwards who operate primarily inside the penalty area, he regularly drops deeper to link play, create opportunities for teammates and help his side control attacking transitions.
That all-round contribution has made him an important figure for both Bayern Munich and England, while his consistency has kept him among the leading strikers in the modern game.
Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé reportedly finished second in the voting, with Barcelona and Spain youngster Lamine Yamal completing the top three.
Yamal, however, was said to have collected the young player award for the third consecutive time, further highlighting his growing reputation in European football.
The Barcelona attacker has attracted considerable attention for his technical ability, confidence in one-on-one situations and influence in the final third despite his young age. His reported recognition would reinforce his position among the emerging talents expected to shape the future of the sport.
In the women’s category, Spain international Alexia Putellas reportedly claimed the award for a third time, marking a return to the top following her recovery from a serious ligament injury.
Putellas has been one of the leading figures in women’s football, combining technical quality with leadership and an ability to influence matches from midfield.
Her reported success would add to Spain’s strong presence in the women’s Ballon d’Or rankings. She was said to have succeeded national teammate Aitana Bonmatí, whose campaign was reportedly disrupted by a leg injury.
The coaching categories also featured prominent names from international and club football.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was reportedly named men’s coach of the year after leading the national team to World Cup glory, beating competition from Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Barcelona coach Pere Romeu was also reported to have won the women’s coach of the year award, recognising his work with the Spanish club’s women’s team.
The Ballon d’Or was established in 1956 by French football magazine France Football. It has since grown into one of the most recognised individual honours in the sport, rewarding players for their performances and achievements over a specified period.
The voting process involves journalists from selected countries in the FIFA rankings, who assess the performances of eligible players and determine the final rankings.
Beyond the reported awards, the ceremony comes amid renewed attention on the relationship between international football stars and commercial partners.
In a separate development, reports said Mbappé had been dropped by two major Chinese brands following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly made remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Chinese drinks company Dongpeng reportedly announced that it maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour considered offensive to national sentiments.
Mengniu, described in the report as China’s largest dairy producer, was also said to have ended its relationship with the Real Madrid and France forward.
The reported decisions highlight the commercial risks facing high-profile athletes whose public statements or conduct can trigger reactions in important international markets. For global brands, associations with sports personalities can offer significant visibility, but controversies may also create reputational concerns.
For footballers such as Kane and Mbappé, their influence extends well beyond the pitch. Their performances attract millions of supporters, while sponsorship agreements and commercial partnerships make them important figures in the global sports economy.
However, the reported Ballon d’Or results and the developments involving Mbappé require independent confirmation before publication. Official records should be consulted to establish the correct award winners, voting results, match statistics and details of the commercial decisions.
If confirmed, Kane’s reported triumph would represent a significant moment for English football and another milestone in the career of a striker whose achievements have made him one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.
