Kane ends Bundesliga’s Ballon d’Or wait as Putellas wins again
The England striker’s victory follows a season of 73 goals in 65 matches, while Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s award.
Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane received the men’s Ballon d’Or at the London Palladium Theatre, ending a wait stretching back to 1996 for a winner playing in Germany. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s honour.
Kane’s season produced 73 goals from 65 matches representing Bayern and England. The journalists’ jury judged his record above those of contenders Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.
England had not had a winner since 2001. Matthias Sammer was the Bundesliga’s previous recipient in 1996, while Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s 1981 victory was Bayern’s most recent before Kane’s success.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer said the club was proud, associating Kane’s achievement with those of former winners Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Rummenigge. In his acknowledgements, Kane paid tribute to his family, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Putellas, the 32-year-old Spanish midfielder, added to her victories from 2021 and 2022. Clàudia Pina finished behind her, followed by England’s Alessia Russo. Putellas expressed gratitude for her 14 seasons at Barcelona and urged young players to approach football with enthusiasm.
