England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, securing football’s most prestigious individual honour after an exceptional season that combined prolific goalscoring with major team success.
Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the men’s award, ending a 25-year wait for an English winner. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony took place at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas also celebrated a major achievement, winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career.
Kane’s victory followed a remarkable 2025-26 campaign in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions. He also contributed on the international stage, finishing the season with 73 goals for club and country, according to Reuters and UEFA. Reuters report
Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Wait
Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory marks a significant milestone for English football and his personal career.
Before his triumph, Michael Owen was the most recent Englishman to win the men’s award, receiving it in 2001. Kane has now become the fifth Englishman to claim the prestigious honour, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
Speaking after receiving the trophy, Kane expressed his surprise and gratitude, thanking those who voted for him and acknowledging the quality of the other nominees.
He also reflected on the challenges he faced early in his career, explaining that his path to the top was not immediate.
Kane said his journey had involved setbacks, hard work and persistence rather than an effortless rise to the highest level of the sport.
His message also focused on young players hoping to achieve their ambitions, emphasising that determination and consistent effort can help them overcome obstacles.
The award represents a major individual milestone for a striker who has spent years establishing himself among the leading goalscorers in world football.
Record-Breaking Season at Bayern Munich
Kane’s performances for Bayern Munich were central to his success in the Ballon d’Or voting.
The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German club during the 2025-26 campaign. His finishing helped Bayern secure domestic silverware, including the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.
His goalscoring consistency made him one of the standout performers of the season and strengthened his position among the leading candidates for the award.
Kane joined Bayern in 2023 after spending most of his professional career at Tottenham Hotspur. The move gave him the opportunity to compete regularly for major trophies at one of Europe’s most successful clubs.
His time in Germany has also demonstrated his ability to combine traditional centre-forward qualities with creative contributions. In addition to finishing chances, Kane can participate in build-up play, create opportunities for teammates and influence matches through his passing.
During the 2025-26 season, his sustained scoring output helped Bayern in domestic competitions and reinforced his reputation as one of the most productive forwards in the game.
The Ballon d’Or victory recognises that combination of individual performances and team success.
Kane’s International Performances Strengthen His Case
Kane’s achievements extended beyond club football during the award-winning season.
The England captain scored six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping his national side reach the semi-finals. His performances added to an international career in which he has become England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
His contribution to England’s World Cup campaign strengthened his case for the Ballon d’Or by demonstrating that his scoring ability remained effective at the highest level of international competition.
For England, Kane has consistently provided a focal point in attack, combining finishing ability with movement, link-up play and leadership.
His performances for both Bayern and England also helped distinguish his season from those of other leading candidates.
Although Ballon d’Or voting involves assessments of individual quality, achievements and performances over a defined period, Kane’s combination of goals, trophies and international contributions made him a prominent contender.
Kylian Mbappé Finishes Second
The race for the men’s Ballon d’Or featured several of football’s biggest names.
Kylian Mbappé finished second, followed by Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal in third place. Spain midfielder Rodri finished fourth, while Lionel Messi took fifth place.
The final result reflected a competitive field of nominees who had produced notable performances for their clubs and national teams.
Mbappé remained among the leading contenders after another prolific campaign, while Yamal continued to attract attention for his performances despite his young age.
Rodri and Messi also featured prominently in the final standings, underlining the range of experienced and emerging talent competing for the award.
Ultimately, Kane’s goalscoring output and achievements with Bayern and England helped him secure the top position.
Alexia Putellas Wins Her Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding another major individual achievement to her career.
Putellas had previously won the award in 2021 and 2022. Her latest victory followed a successful 2025-26 campaign with Barcelona, during which the club enjoyed significant domestic and European success.
She contributed to Barcelona’s trophy-winning season before joining English Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July 2026, ending a 14-year association with Barcelona.
Putellas has been recognised for her technical quality, vision and influence in midfield. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and control possession has made her one of the most prominent figures in women’s football.
Her third Ballon d’Or further underlines her standing among the leading players of her generation.
The women’s award also highlighted Barcelona’s continuing influence on the European game, with several other members of the club receiving honours during the ceremony.
Lamine Yamal and Vicky López Win Young Player Awards
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the men’s young talent award for the third consecutive year, continuing his impressive rise in professional football.
His recognition followed another season in which he made a major contribution for Barcelona and Spain.
Vicky López won the women’s young talent award for the second successive year, adding to the recognition of Barcelona’s younger players.
The awards are intended to recognise emerging talent and outstanding performances among younger footballers.
Their victories highlighted the continued importance of youth development in elite football, where young players are increasingly becoming major contributors to senior club and international teams.
Other Major Winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony
The ceremony also recognised achievements across coaching, goalkeeping, club football and humanitarian work.
The principal winners included:
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente of Spain.
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu of Barcelona.
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simón of Athletic Bilbao and Spain.
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll of Barcelona and Spain.
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain.
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona.
- Men’s Striker of the Year: Harry Kane.
- Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral.
- Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and England, for humanitarian work.
These honours reflected a season in which individual performances, collective achievements and contributions beyond the pitch received recognition.
A Career Milestone for Harry Kane
Kane’s Ballon d’Or win represents the culmination of a career built through sustained improvement and outstanding goalscoring production.
His early years included loan spells away from Tottenham Hotspur as he worked to establish himself at the highest level. He eventually became one of the Premier League’s leading forwards before moving to Bayern Munich in 2023.
The move to Germany provided opportunities to compete for major trophies while maintaining his reputation as an elite goalscorer.
His 2026 Ballon d’Or victory now places him among the select group of English players to have won the award.
For Bayern, England and Kane himself, the honour recognises a season defined by scoring consistency, team success and high-level performances on both domestic and international stages.
With Alexia Putellas also claiming her third women’s award, the 2026 ceremony became a landmark occasion for two players who have established themselves among the most influential figures in modern football.
