Thomas Tuchel sends message to Harry Kane after winning Ballon d'Or

Kane won the Ballon d'Or after scoring 73 goals for club and country, becoming the first Englishman to win it since Michael Owen in 2001.

Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or at the London Palladium, finishing ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. The Bayern Munich striker, 33, scored 73 goals for club and country this year and became the first Englishman to claim football's most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

England manager Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, saying he had "run out of superlatives" to describe his performances. "To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader," Tuchel said. Kane led England to the World Cup semi-finals under Tuchel, with the team finishing third after beating France in the play-off.

During his acceptance speech, Kane paid tribute to his England teammates and Tuchel's leadership. "It's truly an honour to captain you, lead you," he said. The FA illuminated Wembley's arch in gold to mark the achievement.