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How Kane defied doubters to become world’s best

Harry Kane is the humble 'anti-superstar' who defied doubters to achieve Ballon d'Or greatness, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.

By Phil McNulty · BBC Sport

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 12:46 PM

Key Things to Know

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane beat Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to claim the prestigious honor.
The 33-year-old striker scored 73 goals in 65 matches for Bayern Munich and England across 2025–26.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or at the London Palladium, beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the award. BBC Sport's Phil McNulty writes that the 33-year-old's achievement caps an exemplary career that began through difficult loan spells before leading to record-breaking goalscoring feats for club and country.

Kane scored 73 goals in 65 games during the 2025–26 season and has won two Bundesliga titles since moving to Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur. The victory makes Kane the first English player to claim the men's Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen won in 2001.

Read the full article on BBC Sport