Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to receive football’s prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The Bayern Munich striker collected the trophy at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, after a prolific season for club and country.
Kane finished ahead of France captain Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in the voting. The 33-year-old scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England during the 2025-26 season, according to the England national team’s official website.
His performances helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title and German Cup, while England finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kane scored six goals at the tournament, adding to a season that strengthened his case for the award.
The ceremony was held at London’s Palladium Theatre, marking the first time the Ballon d’Or presentation took place in England. The location made the occasion particularly significant for the London-born striker.
“Being here in London has made it extra special,” Kane said after receiving the award, according to England Football.
Kane Joins England’s Ballon d’Or Winners
Kane becomes the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956, Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979, and Owen in 2001.
The award recognises Kane’s development since leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in August 2023. He has continued to score consistently in Germany, winning the Bundesliga’s top scorer award for a third consecutive season in 2025-26.
Kane’s success also represents a personal milestone after years of competing against some of the sport’s most decorated forwards. He had not previously finished higher than 10th in the Ballon d’Or voting.
Mbappé and Yamal Finish Behind Kane
Mbappé finished second after another high-scoring campaign for Real Madrid and France, while Barcelona winger Yamal took third place.
Yamal, 19, also received the men’s young-player award, continuing his run of recognition among football’s emerging talents. The Spanish international had been among the leading contenders for the main prize.
Kane also collected the Gerd Müller Trophy for the leading men’s striker. The award recognised his 73-goal return across the 2025-26 campaign.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding to the awards she received in 2021 and 2022.
Putellas was recognised after helping Barcelona win the Women’s Champions League before moving to London City Lionesses. She succeeded Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí, who had won the previous three editions.
Other honours included Spain’s Luis de la Fuente as men’s coach of the year, Barcelona coach Pere Romeu as women’s coach of the year, and Unai Simón and Cata Coll as the leading men’s and women’s goalkeepers. Paris Saint-Germain won the men’s club award, while Barcelona received the women’s club honour.
Kane’s victory ends a 25-year wait for an English winner and adds his name to a select group of players who have won football’s most prominent individual award.
