Harry Kane is the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or in 25 years, joining an elite group of four previous English winners. Michael Owen claimed the prize in 2001, becoming the first Three Lions star to take it since Kevin Keegan's successive triumphs. Before Owen, Bobby Charlton won in 1966, following Stanley Matthews, who was the inaugural winner in 1956.
England's Ballon d'Or winners have been few and far between, with triumphs to be treasured and names never to be forgotten. The award began as the European Footballer of the Year prize in 1956 and only became a worldwide award in 1995. Earlier winners like Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Gary Lineker, David Beckham and Frank Lampard finished as runners-up.
Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead also recently finished second in the women's award. Of the five English winners, who is England's greatest? Kane leads the modern era, while Matthews holds the record as the oldest inaugural winner at 41. Owen's 2001 victory was defined by his iconic hat-trick against Germany and Liverpool's treble.
Charlton's 1966 win came after England's World Cup victory. Matthews' 1956 triumph showcased his enduring excellence despite being two months shy of his 42nd birthday. The evolution of the award from a European-only prize to a global competition provides important context for these historic achievements.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing