KEY POINT
- Kane scored 73 goals in 65 competitive matches for club and country before winning his first Ballon d’Or.
- Putellas collected her third women’s award after captaining Barcelona Femení to four trophies.
- Lamine Yamal and Vicky López retained their respective Young Talent awards, highlighting Spain’s influence across the ceremony.
Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas emerged as the leading individual winners at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at London’s historic Palladium Theatre. The event brought together prominent figures from the sport despite rainy weather and traffic delays affecting the evening.
Kane defeated Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim the men’s prize. The England striker delivered 73 goals across 65 competitive appearances for club and country during the season, helping Bayern Munich secure a domestic league and cup double.
The 33-year-old became the first Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen received the honour in 2001. Cheered onto the stage by chants from the home crowd, Kane described the London setting as an especially meaningful part of his first victory.
He also thanked the voters and acknowledged the strength of the competition, saying the decision must have been difficult given the quality of the nominated players.
Putellas secured the women’s award for the third time after another successful campaign with Barcelona Femení. As captain, she helped the Spanish side win four trophies: the league title, two domestic cups and the Women’s Champions League.
The 32-year-old subsequently signed for London City Lionesses in England this summer. During her acceptance speech, Putellas congratulated the other nominees and winners, while reflecting on the number of Barcelona players recognised for their performances.
Barcelona’s influence extended beyond the senior awards. Lamine Yamal won the Young Talent of the Year honour for the third consecutive time, despite missing out on the main men’s prize. His season included a La Liga title with Barcelona and a World Cup victory with Spain, according to the supplied report.
Barcelona teammate Vicky López received the Women’s Young Talent award for a second successive year. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona Femení’s manager received the corresponding women’s coaching honour.
Selected journalists representing their countries determine the winners. Each voter ranks their 10 leading players, with points awarded according to each position on the ballot.
The ceremony also illustrated the intensity of fan interest, as crowds gathered outside the venue and some young spectators climbed buildings or damaged security barriers to improve their views of arriving players.
