Kane Eyes Champions League, England Glory After Ballon d'Or Win

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Harry Kane has set his sights on winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich and a major international title with England after becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim the Ballon d'Or on Monday.

The 33-year-old striker received football's leading individual award in his hometown of London, finishing ahead of France's Kylian Mbappé and Spain's Lamine Yamal. Kane's victory followed a season in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, helping Bayern secure the Bundesliga and German Cup.

"I'd say a dream come true but it's beyond my wildest dreams, so just incredible," Kane said, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist Kieran Canning.

The award represents a milestone for a player who has established himself as England's and Tottenham Hotspur's all-time leading scorer but has yet to win the biggest prizes available to him at club or international level.

"I still have a lot to achieve in this game. The Champions League, at club level, and to win a major trophy with England is the number one priority for sure," Kane told AFP.

Bayern reached the Champions League semifinals last season before losing to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain. Kane also knows the disappointment of major international tournaments: England lost the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024 and fell to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals.

He nevertheless made an important contribution to England's third-place World Cup finish, scoring six goals and overtaking Gary Lineker as the country's leading scorer in the competition's history.

Kane's win ends a long gap for English players in the men's Ballon d'Or. Michael Owen was the previous English recipient in 2001. Receiving the trophy in London, where the ceremony was held for the first time, added personal significance to the occasion.

"I think it's massive for England, for our country," Kane said. "Being here in London was a good omen for me and it's been too long."

His road to the award was far from direct. Before becoming a regular in Tottenham's first team, Kane spent four spells on loan in England's lower divisions. He has credited those early difficulties with developing the persistence that later defined his career.

"I found ways to improve and get the edge on maybe other players who had more ability than me," he told AFP, adding that he remains conscious of younger footballers competing for places at both Bayern and England.

His move from Tottenham to Bayern in 2023 was another turning point. Kane said the change challenged him to improve, even though some questioned whether leaving English football was the right decision. His scoring record and German domestic trophies have since strengthened his standing among the game's leading forwards.

Associated Press sports writer Ken Maguire reported that England coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated his captain, saying the national team was fortunate to have him as its leader.

The evening also recognized other leading figures in football. Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for a third time, following her role in Barcelona's Champions League triumph before joining London City Lionesses. Her success followed a return from a serious knee injury and ended compatriot Aitana Bonmatí's three-year hold on the prize.

Yamal, who finished third in the men's voting behind Mbappé, won the young player award for the third consecutive year. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men's coach of the year, while Barcelona's Pere Romeu took the women's coaching honor.

For Kane, the recognition came with a clear distinction between what he has achieved individually and what remains on his list. Despite his latest honor and Bayern's domestic success, he continues to measure his ambitions against the Champions League and a trophy with England.