October 27, 2026
English striker Harry Kane, a German player for Bayern Munich, expressed his great pride in winning the “Golden Ball” award in its 70th edition, stressing that this achievement exceeds his “wildest dreams,” and pledged to strive to defend the award next year, after he ended an English drought that lasted 25 years.
The award ceremony took place at the London Palladium, where Kane (33 years old) received the award from former Brazilian star Ronaldo, ahead of Frenchman Kylian Mbappe and Spaniard Lamine Yamal in the race.
The coronation of the England national team captain was the culmination of an exceptional season (2025-2026), during which he scored 73 goals for his club and country, won two titles with Bayern Munich, in addition to leading England to third place in the World Cup.
Kane said after the coronation: “My heart was beating fast, and having Ronaldo – one of my role models as a child – be the one to hand me the award, makes it a dream come true, even beyond my wildest dreams.” He pointed out the arduous sacrifices to reach this level, expressing his gratitude to his personal doctor, Alejandro Elorriaga, and everyone who supported him, recalling the long hours of treatment and rehabilitation sessions that took up his time with his family, adding: “The way I train and play always makes me feel like I am fifteen years old, and I still have something to prove. After winning the award, I am already thinking about how I have become better to try to win it again.”
With this title, Kane became the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or presented by France Football magazine since Michael Owen in 2001, joining his country’s previously crowned legends such as Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.
In response to speculation that he might return to the English Premier League to break the record of all-time top scorer Alan Shearer, Kane settled his position, saying: “Not at the moment. I am enjoying my life at Bayern Munich.”
Regarding his future ambitions, the English striker stressed that his focus is on major titles, saying: “I still have a lot to achieve, starting with winning the Champions League with Bayern, all the way to achieving a major title with the England national team, which is my top priority in the next stage.”
After the end of the event, Kane left the British capital, London, on Tuesday morning, heading to Munich, to join the training of the Bayern Munich team in preparation for the match against Magdeburg, scheduled for Wednesday, in the German Cup competitions.
