- Harry Kane was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner after a prolific season for Bayern Munich and England in which he established himself as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers.
- Kane is the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years, after Michael Owen won it in 2001.
- The England captain scored 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double and England to the World Cup semifinals.
- On the women’s side, Alexia Putellas picked up her third Ballon d’Or, crowning a spectacular return to the top of women’s football after a serious injury. Putellas previously picked up the prize for the best player in the world in 2021 and 2022 as the creative heartbeat of an all-conquering Barcelona side.
- The 70th edition of the award, established by the magazine France Football, was hosted in England for the first time in recognition of the first winner, Stanley Matthews.
England’s First Ballon d’Or In 25 years
Ronaldo presents the award to…HARRY KANE.
London erupts. The crowd chant Kane’s name.
A visibly emotional Kane said: “Wow, wow, wow. I’m almost speechless. Being here in London makes it extra special. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year. Some world-class players.
“Without my teammates it wouldn’t be possible. I am wishing Vincent Kompany very well, I hope this has given you a bit of energy.
“Since I have been with Bayern I have improved as player and as a person. It’s an honour to play for Bayern. To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich.
“To my England teamates. We had a special year, it wasn’t perfect, but we had a lot of great moments. It was truly an honour to captain you, this is for all of us.
“Thank you to Tottenham Hotspur. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham. I was there from 11 years old. All those ups and downs have led me to this moment.”
Women’s Ballon d’Or winner is Alexia Putellas
Another trophy for Spain, and Barcelona too, really, although she now plays for London City Lionesses in the WSL.
It’s a hat-trick of Ballon d’Ors for Putellas, who also claimed the crown in 2021 and 2022 and she raises the trophy in front of pyrotechnics on the stage.
She said, partially via an interpreter: “It’s a pleasure to be here again. I don’t know what to say. Too many things. Congrats to all the nominees and winners.
“I want to say thank you teammates. So many Barca players were nominated and that shows the season we had. Any of them could be here giving this speech. We overcame some difficulties, but it was a great source of pride for me to be captain.
“Thanks to the coach, the staff, the medical teams and our fans. Thanks for all the respect and love you have shown me for 14 years. Thank you for all these moments and all these years. This prize is for Barcelona.”
Men’s Club Of The Year Is PSG
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain were nominated for the award.
After another pesky commercial break, former Arsenal players Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira remain on stage to present the award to…
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN. For the second straight season after retaining the Champions League.
The first major award to head outside Spain tonight. Will it be the last?
Ousmane Dembele collects the award, having missed tonight’s 2-0 Ligue Un win over Lyon through injury.
He said through an interpreter: “We have created quite an incredible club and we always fight together side by side.
“It’s incredible to be able to win two Champions Leagues in a row.”
The Socrates Award Goes To Bukayo Saka
The Socrates Award, honouring those who impact their community beyond football, is next.
Musician and football lover Burna Boy is on hand to present the award to…
BUKAYO SAKA of Arsenal and England.
Saka shares a story from a 12-year-old from a village in Rwanda, who was supported by the Big Shoe charity to help him deal with sight loss.
Saka added: “It’s an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we have been able to help, thank you.”
Best Goalkeepers Of The Year Are Cata Coll And Unai Simon
Berger, Coll, Hampton, Lorena, Yamashita are the women’s nominees.
Courtois, Martinez, Raya, Safanov and Simon are the men’s nominees.
Former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is on hand to present the awards to…
CATA COLL and UNAI SIMON.
It’s Spain’s night alright. Another two to the tally. Six out of six.
Barcelona keeper Cata Coll said via an interpreter: “There’s no greater honour. It may be an individual prize but this is as much [my team’s] prize as mine. This trophy may bear my name but I didn’t achieve it alone.”
Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon said via an interpreter: “It’s a real honour which wouldn’t be possible without the help of a lot of people. Thanks to everyone I have worked with.”
- Men’s Coach of the Year is Luis de la FuenteMikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany and Martinez Luis Enrique are the nominees.
- Thierry Henry sends the well wishes of the theatre to Kompany who is recovering after being taken ill after Bayern Munich training and is unable to attend.
- After a rather frustrating commercial break Rafa Benitez remains on stage to present the award to…LUIS DE LA FUENTE.Four out of four for Spain.
- Men’s Coach of the Year is Luis de la Fuente
- Women’s Coach of the Year is Pere RomeuGiraldez, Jeglertz, Mielsen, Romeu and Sadiku are the nominees.
- Rafa Benitez, who led Liverpool to the 2005 UEFA Champions League presents the award to…PERE ROMEU.Another win for Barcelona and Spain. Three out of three so far.
- He said: “It’s a pleasure to be here and to receive this award. I feel this is a collective prize for the team. We have some excellent players and we have won many titles.“I am very grateful for all the players who have been part of this season. I am who I am today due to the whole experience I have had at Barcelona.
- Barcelona Femeni head coach Pere Romeu speaks after winning the Trophy for the Women’s Coach of the Year [AFP
- Women’s Coach of the Year is Pere Romeu on social media
- Spain and Barcelona forward Vicky Lopez speaks after winning the Trophy for the Women’s Young Talent of the Year [AFP]
Young Talent Of The Year Is Lamine Yamal
Pau Cubarsi, Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, Lamine Yamal and Warren Zaire-Emery are the nominees for the men’s young player award…
2004 Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko takes to the stage and hands over the award to…
LAMINE YAMAL, who claims the honour for the third time at the age of 19.
He said, via a translator: “It’s an honour to be here to receive this prize. I think this prize should have been for [teammate] Pau Cubarsi. He’s been playing at a high level and I think he deserves it.”
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