Kane and Putellas Win Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or Awards
Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas have won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, which honor the best soccer players in the world.
The awards ceremony took place at London’s famous Palladium Theatre. Rain and heavy traffic delayed the event, but many of the sport’s biggest stars still came to celebrate the best players of the year.
Kane won the men’s award after beating strong competitors Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
The England striker had an amazing season, scoring 73 goals in 65 matches for his club and country. He also helped Bayern Munich win both the league title and the domestic cup.
The 33-year-old became emotional as he walked onto the stage. Fans welcomed him with loud chants of “Harry, Harry.”
Speaking after winning his first Ballon d’Or, Kane said winning the award in London made the moment even more special. He also thanked everyone who voted for him and praised the other players who competed for the prize.
Kane became the first English player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
Putellas Wins Her Third Award
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
The 32-year-old midfielder enjoyed another excellent season with Barcelona Femení. She helped lead the team to four trophies: the league title, two domestic cups and the Women’s Champions League.
Putellas captained Barcelona during its successful season before moving to London City Lionesses in England this summer.
During her speech, she congratulated the other nominees and winners. She also praised her former Barcelona teammates and said it had been an honor to lead the team.
The Ballon d’Or winners are chosen by selected journalists from different countries. Each journalist ranks their top 10 players, and players receive points based on their positions on the lists.
Spain and Barcelona Take Many Awards
Large crowds gathered outside the ceremony to see their favorite players arrive. Some young fans climbed buildings and damaged security barriers to get a better view of the stars.
Lamine Yamal received loud cheers from the crowd. Although he did not win the main men’s award, he won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year prize for the third year in a row.
The 19-year-old had another successful season, winning La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
Barcelona’s Vicky López won the Women’s Young Talent of the Year award for the second year in a row.
Spain and Barcelona also won major coaching awards. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona Femení coach Pere Romeu won the women’s coaching award.
Paris Saint-Germain won the Men’s Club of the Year award, while Barcelona Femení was named Women’s Club of the Year.
Full List of Winners
- **Men’s Ballon d’Or:** Harry Kane — Bayern Munich and England
- **Women’s Ballon d’Or:** Alexia Putellas — Barcelona Femení/London City Lionesses and Spain
- **Men’s Club of the Year:** Paris Saint-Germain
- **Women’s Club of the Year:** Barcelona Femení
- **Men’s Young Talent of the Year:** Lamine Yamal — Barcelona and Spain
- **Women’s Young Talent of the Year:** Vicky López — Barcelona Femení and Spain
- **Men’s Coach of the Year:** Luis de la Fuente — Spain
- **Women’s Coach of the Year:** Pere Romeu — Barcelona Femení
- **Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year:** Unai Simón — Athletic Bilbao and Spain
- **Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year:** Cata Coll — Barcelona Femení and Spain
- **Sócrates Award:** Bukayo Saka — Arsenal and England, for humanitarian work
- **Men’s Striker of the Year:** Harry Kane — Bayern Munich and England
- **Women’s Striker of the Year:** Charlyn Corral — CF Pachuca and Mexico