Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or as world media hail England’s ‘new king’

Harry Kane has been praised by newspapers around the world after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, completing a remarkable season with Bayern Munich and England and ending years of criticism over his lack of major honours.

The England captain, 33, scored 73 goals in 65 matches and helped Bayern Munich to domestic success, while also leading England to third place at the World Cup. His victory makes him the first English player to win the award in 25 years.

Kane finished ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who placed third and fourth respectively.

‘King Harry’

French newspaper L’Equipe described Kane as “King Harry”, highlighting his exceptional individual and team achievements during the campaign.

One of its headlines carried a direct message to his former critics: “Don’t call him a loser again.” The wording referred to the scrutiny Kane faced for much of his career because he had not won major trophies.

L’Equipe also reported on Spain’s Alexia Putellas winning the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.

Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport focused on Kane’s long pursuit of the prize, describing his triumph at the age of 33 in his birthplace, London, as a defining moment.

The newspaper said moving the ceremony from Paris to the English capital had added significance to the occasion, featuring the headline: “Kane… the new king is English.”

‘King Kane, king of the world’

German newspaper Bild celebrated Kane for bringing the award back to the Bundesliga almost three decades after Matthias Sammer won it.

Kane said: “It is a great honour to play for Bayern Munich,” before adding: “I am happy to bring the trophy back to Bayern Munich.”

He also sent a message to Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, who was watching the ceremony from hospital: “You are watching this from hospital, but I hope this gives you some energy.”

The Daily Mirror reported that Kane scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich last season and helped the club win the Bundesliga and the German Cup. The newspaper said those figures made him one of the leading contenders before he claimed the award for the first time.

The Sun said the Ballon d’Or recognised Kane’s outstanding goalscoring record and described him as the first English winner for 25 years, despite competition from Mbappe and Yamal.

Le Parisien examined Kane’s transformation from a player viewed mainly as a goalscorer into one who received wider recognition after moving to Bayern Munich. It noted that he reached the summit of world football around 15 kilometres from Walthamstow, where he was born.

The Guardian called the victory the end of a 25-year English wait, citing Kane’s European Golden Boot, Bundesliga title and performances for England at the World Cup. It also praised his modesty and conduct away from the pitch.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola noted that Kane’s 73 goals surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s single-season total of 69, although Lionel Messi remains the record-holder.

Brazil’s O Globo highlighted the contrast in Kane’s career: once mocked for failing to win trophies, he later claimed the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup before lifting the Ballon d’Or.