Harry Kane, Alexia Putellas capture Ballon d'Or wins

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 campaign – he was Europe's top scorer – and smashed scoring records in Germany for Bayern Munich and at the World Cup, where he captained England to a third-place finish.

The 33-year-old Kane says winning the prestigious individual award 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 players, 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.”

Kane was followed in the voting by Kylian Mbappé, 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.”

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Kane led Bayern to the Bundesliga and German Cup double, scoring a hat trick against Stuttgart in the cup final. Bayern also reached the Champions League semifinals.

At the World Cup, he scored six times to pass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer and placed himself among the all-time top five in tournament history. His lineup lost to Argentina in the semifinals but beat