Harry Kane crowned Ballon d’Or winner after years of criticism

Harry Kane has been hailed by newspapers around the world after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the England captain’s outstanding season for Bayern Munich and his country ending years of criticism over his lack of major honours.

Kane, 33, scored 73 goals in 65 appearances and helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and German Cup. He also played a key role as England finished third at the World Cup.

His victory makes him the first English player to win the award in 25 years. He finished ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who placed third and fourth respectively.

‘The new king is English’

French newspaper L’Equipe described Kane as “King Harry”, highlighting the individual and collective achievements that earned him the prize.

One of its headlines carried a direct message to his critics: “Do not call him a loser again.”

The phrase referred to the mockery Kane faced during a long period without a major trophy. L’Equipe also reported that Spain’s Alexia Putellas had won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport focused on Kane’s journey to the top, saying that winning the award at 33, in his birthplace of London, was an extraordinary moment.

The newspaper said the decision to move the ceremony from Paris to the English capital had given the striker’s triumph an added significance, celebrating it with the front-page headline: “Kane… the new king is English.”

German publication Bild called him “King Kane… king of the world” and said he had returned the award to the Bundesliga almost three decades after Matthias Sammer won it.

Bild quoted Kane as saying: “It is a great honour to play for Bayern Munich,” before adding: “I am happy to bring the trophy back to Bayern Munich.”

He also sent a message to Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, who was watching the ceremony from hospital: “You are watching this from hospital, but I hope this gives you some energy.”

Recognition for a record-breaking season

The Daily Mirror highlighted Kane’s 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last season and his contribution to the club’s Bundesliga and German Cup successes.

The Sun said the award recognised his remarkable scoring record and noted that he had overcome strong competition from Mbappe and Yamal.

Le Parisien described Kane’s transformation from a striker valued mainly for his finishing into a player recognised for his wider ability. It said his move to Bayern Munich helped him rediscover himself before he reached the summit of world football, around 15 kilometres from Walthamstow, where he was born.

The Guardian called the triumph the end of a 25-year wait for England. It also praised Kane’s European Golden Shoe-winning campaign, his performances for England at the World Cup and his humility away from the pitch.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola said Kane’s 73 goals in a season surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous total of 69, although Lionel Messi remains the record-holder.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo noted that Kane had recently been ridiculed for failing to win trophies, before claiming the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup with Bayern Munich and completing his transformation with the Ballon d’Or.

Bayern Munich’s listed fixture is against Magdeburg in the German Cup on 28 October 2026. England are listed to play Croatia in the UEFA Nations League – League A on 12 November 2026.