Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or, first Englishman in 25 years
Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first Englishman to claim the award in 25 years, thanks to his prolific scoring last season. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker netted 73 goals for club and country, finishing as Europe's top scorer while breaking records in Germany and at the World Cup, where he captained England to third place. Kane beat Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, 2024 winner Rodri, and eight-time winner Lionel Messi in the voting. Kane led Bayern to a Bundesliga and German Cup double, and his six World Cup goals surpassed Gary Lineker as England's all-time top scorer in the tournament. The ceremony was held in London for the first time, marking the 70th anniversary of Stanley Matthews' inaugural win in 1956.