Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or for First Time in His Career

Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England striker, won the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, achieving this title for the first time in his football career.

The 70th award ceremony took place at the Palladium Theatre in London, marking the first ceremony held outside Paris since the award was founded in 1956, honoring English pioneer Stanley Matthews who was the first to lift it. The ceremony was delayed by 45 minutes due to traffic congestion in the city center and was hosted by Terry Henry and Kate Scott.

Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid came second in the voting, while Lamine Yamal from Barcelona came third.

With this victory, the 32-year-old Kane becomes the first English player to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001, making him the fifth English winner on the list after Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), and Owen. He also becomes the first Bayern Munich player to win the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who won it in 1980 and 1981.

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 matches with Bayern in the last season, a club record for goals in a single season, while his total goals with the club and national team reached 73 goals. At the World Cup hosted by Qatar, he scored 6 goals, contributing to England finishing third.

Speaking on stage, Kane said: "I have nothing to say. To be here in London makes this moment even more special." He added that he thanks everyone who voted for him, and acknowledged that the choice was difficult this year given the world-class players in the hall, and congratulated all winners and nominees. He sent his regards to Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, who was hospitalized last week due to a health issue, saying: "Vinny, I wish you a speedy recovery. I hope this can be a source of energy for you."

In the women's category, Spanish player Alexia Putellas won the award for the third time after 2021 and 2022, following her winning the Champions League with Barcelona last season and her transfer to London City Lionesses last summer.

Lamine Yamal from Barcelona (19 years old) won the Kopa Trophy for best player under 21 for the third consecutive year.