Kane and Putellas win the Ballon d'Or at the Spanish celebration
Why it matters
Harry Kane's victory at the Ballon d'Or represents a significant achievement for English football, as he is the first player from the United Kingdom to receive this accolade since 2001. His outstanding performance for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga attracted international attention, cementing his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world. Furthermore, the award highlights the growing importance of the Bundesliga in the global football landscape.
Context
Harry Kane, Bayern Munich striker, recently won the Ballon d'Or, an award that rewards the best footballers in the world. His performance in the Bundesliga has been crucial to his success, and the award places him among the greatest in football today. This recognition not only celebrates his individual abilities, but also the impact he has had on his club and on football in general.
Key points
- Kane and Putellas win the Ballon d'Or at the Spanish celebration.
- Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas were voted the best footballers in the world at the Ballon d'Or gala held in London, where other Spaniards were also awarded.
- Kane en Putellas winnen Ballon d'Or op Spaans feestje, geen prijs Buurman.
Here are all the winners of the Ballon d'Or:
- Best footballer: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona)
- Best young talent: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona) and Vicky López (FC Barcelona)
- Best coach: Luis de la Fuente (Spain) and Pere Romeu (FC Barcelona)
- Best goalkeeper: Unai Simon (Athletic Club) and Cata Coll (FC Barcelona)
- Best striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca)
- Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (m) and FC Barcelona (v)
- Award for humanitarian activity: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Kane is the first English player to win the award since 2001 and the fifth overall. The first winner of the award, which initially could only be won by European footballers, was Stanley Matthews in 1956. To commemorate Matthews, seventy years after his victory, this year's gala was held in England for the first time. A nice coincidence for Kane, a Londoner by birth, who has always played in London, since the age of eleven, wearing the Tottenham Hotspur shirt.
At thirty, Kane left London to move to Germany, accepting an offer from Bayern Munich in an attempt to win trophies. And indeed, Kane has already won five trophies in two and a half years in Germany. Last year was decisive for the treble won by Bayern, who won the league, cup and super cup. Kane scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga and 14 in the Champions League. In total, he scored 61 goals for Bayern last year and 12 for England, including six at the recent World Cup.
In addition to his extraordinary numbers, Kane has also evolved over the course of his career, becoming a complete attacker: he scores, assists, participates in maneuvers and often drops to receive the ball in midfield.
Putellas won the best female footballer award for the third time. She was also awarded in 2021 and 2022, while last year's award went to another Barcelona player, Aitana Bonmatí. Putellas has been the centerpiece of Barcelona's game for years, but this summer she made headlines by announcing her move to England, to London City Lionesses. This year's award, however, was based on last year's performance, when Putellas was still playing for Barcelona.
Putellas contributed decisively to the victory of the Spanish treble (league, cup and super cup) and the Champions League, scoring 21 goals and providing 13 assists. She is known for her extraordinary technical skills and her ability to create scoring opportunities.
Unexpectedly, the three female footballers or three players nominated in the Netherlands did not reach the top ten: Esmee Brugts placed seventeenth, Kerstin Casparij twenty-fourth and Vivianne Miedema twenty-eighth. Veerle Buurman was nominated for the best young talent award, but placed fifth. The award went, like last year, to Vicky López of Barcelona. Vicky López was also recently proclaimed best young talent by Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona phenomenon, has won the title of best young talent for the second consecutive year. Yamal won the treble with Barcelona last year and also won the under-20 world champion title with Spain, having participated in and won the world championship in this year's youth category.
What happens now
With the Ballon d'Or victory, Kane could see an increase in his visibility and commercial value, as well as strengthening his position at Bayern Munich. The German club, now with a player of such caliber, could aim for further success both in the Bundesliga and in European competitions. Additionally, the pressure to maintain high performance will be significant, given the prestige of the award you just received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Ballon d'Or?
Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas were voted best footballers in the world at the Ballon d'Or gala.
Where was the Ballon d'Or ceremony held?
The ceremony was held in London.
Why is it significant that Kane has won the Ballon d'Or now?
Kane is the first English player to win the award since 2001 and the fifth overall.
Who were the winners for the best young talent?
Lamine Yamal and Vicky López were awarded as best young talents.
What changes have there been in this year's awards?
All awards for the best talents, coaches and goalkeepers went to Spanish players or coaches.
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