Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or after long career at Tottenham and Bayern

England’s leading scorer Harry Kane lifted the Ballon d’Or trophy on Monday, receiving a standing ovation from a crowd at the London Palladium. The award marks the first time an English player has won football’s top individual honour.

Kane, 33, said the achievement was unexpected, noting the “ups and downs” he faced early in his career and the need for self-belief to reach the highest level. He added that perseverance and continuous improvement helped him stay competitive.

The forward began his professional journey in the Tottenham Hotspur academy after brief spells at Arsenal and several lower-league clubs. Over 14 seasons with Tottenham, Kane set club records with 280 goals in more than 430 appearances, earned three Premier League Golden Boots and six PFA Team of the Year selections, but did not win a major trophy.

He moved to Bayern Munich in 2024, winning the Bundesliga title in his first season and adding a German Cup and a second league title the following year. In the 2023-24 season he became the fastest player to reach 100 Bundesliga goals.

Kane also holds the England record with 91 international goals, the highest tally for an English player in the Champions League (58), and the second-most Premier League goals (213). His 73 goals across club and country last season were the highest total since Lionel Messi’s 82 in 2011-12.

"I feel like I’ve always had the passing range and the vision and the football brain – the game understanding – throughout my whole career, and I think that’s just flourished these last couple of years," he told UEFA.com.

The Ballon d’Or win caps a career that began with limited expectations but has grown into a record-breaking and trophy-laden tenure at both club and international level.