Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or as First Englishman in 25 Years; Mbappé Finishes Second

Harry Kane was named men's Ballon d'Or winner at a ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday night, becoming the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Kylian Mbappé finished second, and the award's organisation said the margin was fewer than 41 points, tighter than the 2024 race between Rodri and Vinicius Jnr; the gap in 2025 had been 321 points. Full voting breakdowns are not due until Saturday, October 31. Spain's Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or at the same event, and fans packed the streets outside the venue, some climbing light poles.

Left sources, the Guardian and NPR, lead with the achievement. The Guardian reports that Downing Street praised Kane, with the prime minister's spokesperson congratulating him, hinting at a knighthood and hoping for an England trophy at the 2028 Euros, which the country co-hosts. NPR highlights the crowds outside the Palladium and Putellas's win. The right-leaning Daily Mail leads instead with a row, reporting that Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé stayed seated and did not stand to shake Kane's hand, and that they were accused of disrespect. It quotes Mbappé's pre-ceremony remark that he still thinks he is the best and calls Kane humble. All three cover the win, the 25-year gap and the close vote. The Guardian stresses national praise, while the Mail stresses the French players' conduct. The alternative sources, Yahoo Sports and ESPN, focus on club pride and Kane's long road to the award. Their excerpts do not mention the ceremony dispute.