France, Oct. 27 -- Kane's success comes 70 years after the Blackpool and England winger Stanley Matthews won the inaugural trophy for the best player.

Matthews was presented with his award in front of a handful of guests in a small room at Blackpool Town Hall in north-west England.

Seven decades on, Kane received the sport's most prestigious individual prize from the former Brazil striker Ronaldo during a star-studded gala ceremony at the London Palladium.

In an emotional acceptance speech, the 33-year-old thanked former coaches as well as his family.

"It was always about working hard," said Kane. "It was always about improving, it was always about learning."

Kane, who was born in London, becomes the fifth Englishman and the first si...