France Football chief reveals how close Ballon d'Or race was between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe

France Football editor-in-chief Vincent Garcia has revealed that the points gap between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe in this year's Ballon d'Or voting was even smaller than the margin separating Rodri and Vinicius Jr in 2024.

On a memorable night at the London Palladium theatre, an emotional Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d'Or, beating Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to lift football's most prestigious individual prize.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich and England striker, who finished the 2025-26 campaign with 73 goals for club and country, was the odds-on favourite coming into Monday's event, but it appears the three-horse race was closer than anticipated.

READ MORE: Lamine Yamal surprises Thierry Henry with one of the most remarkable Ballon d'Or speeches

Vincent Garcia says Kylian Mbappe led Ballon d'Or race for 'a long time'

Speaking in the aftermath of Kane's win, France Football editor-in-chief Vincent Garcia revealed how close the points gap was between Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe as he spoke to L'Equipe on the red carpet.

“This year, there were several serious contenders," he began. "The two closest were the top two, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, and the race between them was decided by very little," he said.

"The points gap between Kane and Mbappe was smaller than the gap between Rodri and Vinicius in 2024, which was 41 points - and that was already a very narrow margin at the time."

He added: "It was incredibly close. I was watching the results in real time during the month of the vote. Kylian led the race for a long time, but Harry Kane came back into contention, and in the end, it was decided by a very, very small number of points."

Garcia also touched on Lamine Yamal losing out on the trophy and how Spain's World Cup win 'complicated' the situation.

"Lamine Yamal became a world champion and that is a great achievement, but in truth he scored only one goal and began the tournament while injured," he said.

"This complicated situation made the jury's task extremely difficult in settling the comparison between the Spanish players."

When asked who he voted for to win the award, Garcia remained tight-lipped about his choice but did confirm that the person did not go on to secure victory. The votes will be released on Saturday (October 31).

"You should wait until it is published to find out, because I ask the jury members not to disclose their votes before the magazine comes out, so I won't do that either," he said.

"I voted for someone who did not win, and I think he would have deserved it too."

Mbappe was close to winning his first Ballon d'Or. Image credit: Getty

Every word of Harry Kane's emotional Ballon d'Or-winning speech

Many will agree that Kane was a worthy winner after scoring so many goals across the 2025-26 campaign. It was a special moment for the Bayern forward, who delivered a powerful speech on stage.

"Wow. Wow, wow, wow," Kane began. "First of all... I'm almost speechless. Luckily I have this list here!

"Thank you again to France Football, for the Ballon d'Or, for putting on this amazing event. Being here in London as well has made it extra special. It looked like a good omen today, so thank you very much.

"Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was very tough this year, some of the incredible players I was up against. Some of my team-mates and some of the world-class players that are in the room tonight.

"Congratulations to all the winners, all the nominees today. It's a massive showing of what determination and hard work can truly achieve, so well done. My Bayern Munich team-mates, I've got a few here tonight. Without you guys it wouldn't be possible. The way you guys push me, the way we compete, it just makes me as better player. It makes me want to improve. So thank you very much.

"To Vinnie [Vincent Kompany], I know he's at home, I think still in the hospital, so wishing you very well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy! And all the staff. They way we train, the way you push us, it's a credit to yourselves. Since I've been with you, I've improved as a player, no doubt, and improved as a player and as a person, and that's thanks to your leadership.

"To all the Bayern Munich chairmen and presidents, it's a honour to play for Bayern Munich. To represent you is a real privilege, so I'm glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich, for sure.

"To all of my England team-mates, again the same. We had a special year. It wasn't the perfect year, but we had a lot of good moments. We built a great bond together, a lot of togetherness. The way we played, the way we trained. It was truly an honour to lead you and captain you, so this one is for all of us for sure.

"To Thomas Tuchel and all the staff at England. Again, the leadership, the way you push us and drive us, the way you push standards, it's something to be admired. It's an honour to represent you, and represent the England badge in the way you do. Everyone at the FA, it's a truly an honour to be your captain.

"I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well. I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham, for sure. I was there since 11 years old. All the guidance, all the coaches, you allow me to live my dream. Without all those moments together... all the ups and downs along the way of that journey that has led me to this moment today. To all the Bayern Munich fans, England fans, Spurs fans, all of you around the world... the support you give me in the stadiums, around the world, wherever it may be, 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. So whenever I can give back to you guys is a real honour and a privilege to do so.

"I want to give out a shout out to some of my coaches who have helped me along the way. If I've forgotten anyone, I've really sorry. Bradley Allen, Chris Ramsey, John McDermott, Alex Inglethorpe, Tim Sherwood. Ryan Mason, Kenny Jackett, Russell Slade, Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte. Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and, of course, my two managers Vinnie and Thomas now. All of you have played a big role in my development, all at different stages in my life. Without each and every one of you, I wouldn't be standing here today. For sure, I learned lots, and when you surround yourself with the best people, the best coaches, it only enhances you as a person and a player."

Harry Kane was almost in tears as he paid tribute to family

Kane went on to acknowledge his surgeon, noting that he had helped him to recover from several injuries over the past seven years, including a torn hamstring that threatened to derail his career.

"He (the surgeon) has been a bright spark in my life," he said. "The commitment, the work behind-the-scenes that no-one else sees. The time given up away from family. The work we do together, the friendship we formed as well. It's a true honour, so thank you for all your work.

"To Kelly, Gary and Tom, my wife's parents and brother. Thank you very much. I know how much support you give me. We all live these emotions together. You made me feel part of the family when I stepped in to the house at 18 years old. I know how much help off the pitch, it allows me to perform and do my best on the pitch. So thank you very much.

"My brother Charlie. It didn't seem like long ago that we were kicking a ball around the garden, over the park, talking football, watching football, just football mad. I know you tell me you gave me a lot of your footballing ability, so thank you very much, I appreciate that! To have that love and support from an older brother means the world to me. You travel, you watch, you give up time with your family to support me. So thank you.

"My mum and dad. What a moment. All those years, the sacrifice you gave me, the support you gave me, the times taking me to training. Coming to watch me play, all around England, Germany, no matter where it was. Even to this day, you're there. There was never any pressure from you to become a footballer. It was all about improving, all about learning. All those traits you have given me have allowed me to be successful and to be here tonight. I love you, thank you very much.

"My kids at home, watching. It's definitely past your bed time - it's a little later than we hoped! To Ivy, Vivian, Louie and Henry - you're the reason I do this. I don't think you'll maybe fully appreciate bringing this trophy home... I bring some others home, but this one is a special one. I can't wait to see you and celebrate with you. I want to set a good example, being a father but also being a professional. What it means to work hard and what it means to believe in yourself.

"To my wife, Kate. My best friend. We've been through ups and downs, for sure. You've been my biggest supporter. I actually felt like you wanted this more than me myself. The anxious wait for us to find out, I know it's been horrible for you. Here it is - we've done it. You always want the best for me. You sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my dreams, and I know they are your dreams as well. So it wouldn't be possible without you. This is a trophy that we celebrate - not me, but me and you. It's all the family, all our close-knit team. So I just want to thank you. I love you, and I can't wait to enjoy this and celebrate for sure. Love you.

"Lastly, for me, it's just the journey. For any young boy or girl wanting to achieve their dreams, anything is possible. The hard work when nobody else is watching, the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief. Like I say, anything is possible. My journey wasn't straightforward. I wasn't the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs, I had a lot of loan moves, I had to fight my way to be the very best right now, and I hope that can give you determination as well. So thank you very much."