Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or, European press hails end of 'curse'

sudinfo.be (French) —

Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or in London on Monday, ending a long wait for the 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker and drawing widespread praise from European media. European newspapers celebrated Kane's achievement, with French outlet L'Équipe calling it the end of a long quest for a player once seen as a loser, while Spanish paper AS declared he is "no longer cursed." English media highlighted that Kane is the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001, ending a 25-year drought for the country. German outlet Bild credited coach Vincent Kompany for transforming Kane into a playmaker and team engine, while Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport praised his humility. The award came despite Bayern not winning the Champions League.


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Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or, European press hails end of 'curse' | News Minimalist