Thierry Henry
Former France forward on DAZN

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I would always back my fellow Frenchmen but I have to say something about Harry Kane. I have seen him since the beginning. He had to suffer really hard to achieve what he has achieved. A worthy winner, well done.

England

Men's Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane thanking his family: "Thank you very much. I know how much support you give me. We all live these emotions together. I know how much help off the pitch, it allows me to perform and do my best on the pitch.

"My brother Charlie, doesn't seem like long ago we were kicking a ball around the garden. Taking football, just football mad. I know you say you gave me your footballing ability, so thank you for that."Mum and dad - what a moment. All those years, the sacrifice, the support you gave me. Taking me to training, coming to watch me play. No matter where it was, even to this day you're there."All those traits you have given me have allowed me to be successful and be here tonight.

"My kids back home watching - it is past your bedtime! You're the reason I do this. This one is a special one. I can't wait to see you and celebrate with you. I love you very much.

"My wife Kate, my best friend. You're my biggest supporter. We have done it. You always want the best for me. You sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my reams. It wouldn't be possible without you."

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Coming towards the end of his speech and Harry Kane thanks his wife Katie.

"We've done it, you always want the best for me and you sacrificed yourself to help me achieve my dreams and your dreams as well.

"It would not be possible without you."

England

Men's Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane paying his respects to all of his coaches:

"All of you played a big role in my development at different stages of my life. Without every single one of you I wouldn't be standing here today. I learnt lots.

"When you surround yourself with the best people - it only improves you as a person and as a player."

England

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Men's Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane: "Thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham. All the guidance, all the coaches you have allowed me to live my dream. For all those moments, all the ups and downs along the way has led me to this moment here today.

"To all the fans, Bayern, England fans, Spurs fans and all my fans around the world. I love you in this room tonight.

"The support you give me - I appreciate it all. I remember being a fan not long ago and what it means to play football. It was a dream of mine.

"Any time I can give back to you guys is an honour and privilege to do so."

Harry Kane is thanking everyone who has played their part in his career - from team-mates to coaches and to family. He is tearing up a bit as he thanks his parents.

England

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Men's Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane: "To my England team-mates, again the same.

"We had a special year. It wasn't the perfect year, but we had a load of great moments. We built a great bond together.

"The togetherness in the hotel in the World Cup. An honour to captain you and lead you. It makes me extremely proud. This one is for all of us for sure.

"Thomas Tuchel and the staff at England, again the leadership the way you drive us, the way you push standards is something to be admired."

England

More from Men's Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane: "Without you guys [Bayern Munich team-mates] and the rest of the team it wouldn't be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much. To Vinny [Vincent Kompany]. I know he is at home or still in the hospital. Wishing you well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy. To all the staff we way train and the way you push us it is a credit to yourself.

"Since I have been with you I have improved as player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. An honour to play for Bayern Munich. To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich."

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England captain Harry Kane scored 73 goals across club and international competitions in the 2025-26 season.

While jurors are told to only take the most recent season into account when ranking players, Kane's astonishing 156 goals in 158 games for Bayern Munich since 2023 has lifted him to seventh in the German club's top scorer list.

He has led the Bundesliga's scoring charts for three consecutive seasons, as well as being Europe's top overall club goalscorer for 2025-26.

Kane also led his country to their best World Cup finish since they won the tournament in 1966. England won the third-fourth place match to win a bronze medal and he finished fifth top scorer for the tournament.

England

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Men's Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane:

"I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special.

"Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.

"Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve."

"Wow, wow, wow!" says Harry Kane after taking to the stage.

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Harry Kane takes it!

The England captain and prolific Bayern Munich striker is the Ballon d'Or winner, the first English man to win it in 25 years.

Lots of cheers inside the auditorium as "Harry! Harry! Harry!" is chanted.

Here we go.

And the winner is...

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No more ads (I think), but a montage of Ronaldo's playing career.

Always enjoy a look back at Ronaldo's goals but a bit less so when this ceremony is overrunning by over an hour.

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner and legendary ex-Brazil striker Ronaldo is here to present this award.

Image source, Reuters

One more award to go - the men's Ballon d'Or.

Will it be Harry Kane? Will it be Lamine Yamal? Will it be Kylian Mbappe? Will there be more ads?

Spain

Women's Ballon d'Or winner, Alexia Putellas: "Thank you very much. It is a pleasure to be here, again. Thank you, France football.

"Thank you to the ones who thought I deserved this award. I don't know what to say, too many things! Congrats to all the nominees, congrats to all the winners.

"I want to start by saying thank you team-mates.

"I think anyone here could have fairly won this trophy and be giving this speech here right now.

"A great pleasure to play alongside each and every single one of you.

"Incredible experiences as a team, we overcome some difficulties, some injuries, some moments we weren't expecting as a team and a great pride for me as captain.

"All the boys and girls around the world - if you love football and if you want to play football, play football. It doesn't matter if you're a boy or if you're a girl.

"Doesn't matter where you come from. Don't listen if someone tells you, you can't do it. Believe in yourself."

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When it comes to club and success, it's hard to ask much more of Alexia Putellas than captaining Barcelona to a continental quadruple in 2025-26, winning the Liga F, Cope de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League.

She became Barcelona's joint-second top scorer of all time after scoring two goals in the Champions League semi-final in May, and earned the player of the tournament award in the process.

She equals her former team-mate Bonmati's record of three awards, having also been a key part of Spain's Nations League-winning side.