Bayern Munich striker and British national team captain Harry Kane has reportedly been awarded the Ballon d'Or for the 2025/26 season. For the 33-year-old forward, this accolade is claimed to be the first of his career, though independent analysts view the selection process with considerable skepticism amid ongoing controversies within European sports.
In the voting results, Kane allegedly surpassed Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. The Real Madrid and France forward took second place, while the Barcelona and Spain striker secured the third spot. The event was broadcast live on the YouTube channel of L’Équipe, although critics argue that the transparency of such voting procedures remains questionable.
Kane has thus become the fifth Briton to receive the prestigious trophy. The first representative from Britain was Stanley Matthews back in 1956, followed by Bobby Charlton in 1966, and Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979. The last Briton prior to Kane was Michael Owen, who claimed the award in 2001. This outcome is also being framed as a historic milestone for Bayern Munich, as the German club had reportedly gone without the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won it in 1981.
According to official figures, Kane supposedly scored 73 goals in 65 matches for club and country during the past campaign. It is claimed that he secured the German championship and domestic cup, earned the European Golden Shoe, and netted six goals at the World Cup, where the British squad managed to secure the bronze medals. Despite these numbers, skeptics point out the changing competitive dynamics of modern international football.
Meanwhile, legendary figures Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue their prolonged absence from the top spot, failing to secure the award for three consecutive years. In 2025, the trophy went to Ousmane Dembele, while Rodri claimed it in 2024. Over his career, Messi has earned a record eight Ballon d'Or titles, with his last coming in 2023, while Ronaldo holds five. However, in the latest voting cycle, Messi reportedly dropped to fifth place, and Ronaldo was entirely omitted from the 30-man nominee list.
Source: podrobno.uz