The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in England for the first time, honouring the first winner, Stanley Matthews. (EPA Images pic)LONDON: England captain Harry Kane is the favourite to win a wide open race to be crowned Ballon d'Or winner at a glitzy London ceremony on Monday, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe also in the running to be named the world's best footballer.
The 70th edition of the award, established by the magazine France Football, will be hosted in England for the first time in recognition of the first winner Stanley Matthews and fittingly could have a first English winner for 25 years.
Bayern Munich striker Kane struck a remarkable 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, leading the German giants to a league and cup double and England to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
