The key facts

  • Kane received the Ballon d'Or at a ceremony at the London Palladium theatre in London
  • First English winner of the award in 25 years — after Michael Owen (2001)
  • 73 goals in 65 games in a season, and a domestic double for Bayern in the German championship and cup

England's first award in 25 years

England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been named the world's best footballer by the Ballon d'Or. The ceremony took place late on Monday evening at the London Palladium theatre in London, AFP reports. Kane finished ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.

The season that brought the award

The 33-year-old forward scored 73 goals in 65 matches for club and country last season and helped Bayern complete a double — winning the German championship and the German cup. As national team captain, he scored six goals at the World Cup in North America, where England finished third. Kane also received the award for the best men's forward of the year.

'It feels like a dream'

'It sounds crazy, honestly, but it sounds very good. What a special night. An incredible feeling. I'm still trying to take it in. It really does feel like a dream,' Kane said on Sky Sports on Tuesday. According to him, when his name was announced, he felt 'relief, joy, happiness, excitement' after a long wait.

Congratulations

Wembley Stadium was lit up in honour of Kane's achievement, and the England team account posted the message 'Home of the world's best footballer.' Prince William, patron of the Football Association, called the victory a 'fantastic achievement' and well deserved. England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who previously worked with Kane at Bayern, wrote that 'superlatives have run out' to describe his play and that the English are 'lucky' to have such a leader. Bayern president Herbert Hainer called the day a proud one for the club and noted that Kane now stands alongside Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge — the club's previous Ballon d'Or winners. Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told the BBC that he values not only Kane's goals but also his all-round play and his qualities as national team captain.