Harry Kane and Alèxia Putellas win men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards
Harry Kane and Alèxia Putellas take football’s biggest individual honors
Qwenews.com – Harry Kane and Alèxia Putellas were crowned the world’s leading men’s and women’s footballers at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, receiving the sport’s most prestigious individual awards after remarkable seasons for club and country.
The event at the historic Palladium Theatre began later than planned following a wet evening and heavy traffic in the capital. But the difficult conditions did little to dampen the occasion as elite players, coaches and guests gathered to recognize the standout achievements of the past year.
Kane secured the men’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. It is the first time the England striker has won the prize, and he becomes the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
A landmark year for Kane
The 33-year-old’s season combined prolific scoring with major silverware. Kane recorded 73 goals across 65 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich and England, while helping Bayern claim a league-and-cup double.
His victory carried added significance because the ceremony was held in his home city. Chants of “Harry, Harry” accompanied Kane as he made his way to the stage, where the forward appeared visibly moved by the reception.
“It being here in London as well has made it extra special,” Kane said after winning his first Ballon d’Or. “Thank you very much. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was really tough this year – some incredible players I was up against.”
The award recognizes more than a single scoring statistic. Kane’s output came while balancing club commitments with international football, and Bayern’s domestic double gave his individual numbers the backing of team success. His win also ends a long wait for an English player to lift the men’s prize.
Putellas earns a third women’s Ballon d’Or
Putellas collected the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time after another commanding campaign with Barcelona Femení. The 32-year-old was central to a season in which Barcelona achieved a quadruple, lifting the league championship, two domestic cup competitions and the Women’s Champions League.
As captain, Putellas led a side that set the standard across the women’s game. Her award arrived shortly after a summer move to England, where she joined London City Lionesses, marking a new chapter after her trophy-filled spell in Barcelona.
“I don’t know what to say, too many things. Congrats to all the nominees, congrats to all the winners,” Putellas said in her acceptance speech on stage. “That so many Barça players were nominated says a lot about the season we had. … It was my honor to be your captain.”
Her latest victory underlines the influence Barcelona Femení had during the campaign. The club’s presence extended well beyond Putellas, with several players represented among the nominees and award winners.
How the Ballon d’Or voting works
The men’s and women’s awards are decided by a selected group of journalists voting for their respective nations. Each voter lists 10 players in order, with points awarded on a descending scale based on each player’s ranking.
That format places a premium on sustained excellence. Voters are asked to assess individual performance against the wider context of results, trophies and influence over the season. In a year crowded with accomplished candidates, Kane’s goals and Bayern’s domestic achievements proved decisive, while Putellas’ leadership of Barcelona’s four-trophy campaign made her a leading contender.
Young stars and coaches also recognized
Yamal was among the most enthusiastically received figures on the red carpet. Although the 19-year-old did not claim the main men’s award, he won Young Talent of the Year for a third consecutive season.
The Barcelona player’s latest youth honor followed a campaign that brought him La Liga success with his club and a World Cup triumph with Spain. His repeated recognition reflects how quickly he has established himself on football’s biggest stages despite his age.
Barcelona’s Vicky López retained the Women’s Young Talent of the Year award, winning it for the second year in a row. Her recognition added to a memorable night for the Blaugrana, whose success was visible throughout the awards across both the men’s and women’s game.
Spain’s influence was also evident in the coaching categories. Luis de la Fuente received Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding Spain to World Cup glory. Barcelona Femení’s manager was named Women’s Coach of the Year following a season in which the team collected virtually every available major trophy.
A celebration that drew crowds beyond the theatre
The enthusiasm surrounding the ceremony was apparent long before the winners were announced. Hundreds of young supporters gathered outside, with some damaging security barriers and climbing nearby structures in an effort to see arriving players. The scenes offered another illustration of the emotional pull football holds for its audience.
Inside the Palladium, the major awards told a story of exceptional seasons: Kane’s scoring brilliance and Bayern’s domestic dominance, Putellas’ captaincy during Barcelona’s quadruple, Yamal’s continued emergence, and Spain’s success at international level. For both main winners, the evening represented recognition of achievements built over an entire campaign rather than a single defining moment.
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