Harry Kane looks on Image source, Getty Images
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Harry Kane could become the first Englishman since 2001 to win the Ballon d'Or

ByKeifer MacDonaldBBC Sport journalist

For a moment, it seemed as though Harry Kane's dreams of winning the Ballon d'Or had come true.

It was shortly after 17:15 GMT on Monday when an article from the award's official website titled "Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d'Or" began to circulate online.

It was more than four and a half hours before the winner of the game's most prestigious individual award was due to be announced at a star-studded event at London's Palladium Theatre.