Harry Kane completes his arc from Orient loanee to Ballon d'Or winner

Kane won the Ballon d'Or, completing his journey from Leyton Orient loanee to world football's top individual honour.

Harry Kane has been awarded the Ballon d'Or, capping a remarkable career arc that began with a loan spell at Leyton Orient in January 2011. The Bayern Munich striker scored on his first senior start for the O's at Brisbane Road, converting a Dean Cox free-kick at 17 years old while on loan from Spurs.

After a breakthrough 2014-15 season at Tottenham yielding 31 goals and an England call-up, Kane has since become one of football's most prolific strikers. The award was presented by Ronaldo at the London Palladium on Monday night. In his acceptance speech, Kane expressed humility and gratitude, thanking those who had supported him throughout his career. "It sounds crazy, but it also sounds pretty good," he said. "What a special night. It's an incredible, incredible feeling."

The ceremony, presided over by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, began over 30 minutes late. Kane's win drew criticism from some online supporters of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, as well as Arsenal fans, though Kane responded with a message: "Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise."