England captain Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player to receive the award in 25 years. Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane was named the best men’s footballer at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Palladium Theatre in London on Monday, October 26. The 33-year-old finished ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s Lamine Yamal to claim the first Ballon d’Or of his career.
Kane became the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. He is the fifth Englishman to receive the honour, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
Kane recorded 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025-26 season. He scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich and added 12 goals for England.
His performances helped Bayern Munich win both the Bundesliga and the domestic cup competition in Germany. Kane scored consistently throughout the season and contributed to the club’s victories in key matches.
Kylian Mbappe finished second in the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting, while Spain’s Lamine Yamal secured third place. Spain’s Rodri finished fourth, followed by Argentina’s Lionel Messi in fifth.
The result placed Kane among the English players who have won football’s most prestigious individual award.
Kane also scored six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and played a significant role in England’s campaign. England reached the semi-finals and finished third in the tournament but did not win the title.
His performances for Bayern Munich and the England national team contributed to his Ballon d’Or success.
Kane became emotional while accepting the Ballon d’Or, recalling the difficulties he faced during his career and the work required to reach the highest level of football.
He said he had not reached the top level immediately and had to play on loan at different clubs before establishing himself. He encouraged young players to believe in their dreams and persevere through difficult circumstances.
Kane credited his family, coaches, teammates and wife, Kate, for their support. He described his wife as his closest friend and biggest supporter.
Spain’s 32-year-old midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time. She previously received the award in 2021 and 2022.
Putellas played a key role in Barcelona’s success during the previous season, helping the club win several titles, including the Women’s Champions League. She scored seven goals in the Champions League and provided seven assists.
Putellas now plays for English club London City Lionesses. Her victory ended Aitana Bonmati’s run of dominance over the previous three years.
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony was held in London for the first time. Previous ceremonies had taken place in France. The event also honoured English footballer Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
Lamine Yamal was named the best young men’s player for the third consecutive time. In the women’s category, Vicky Lopez received the award for young talent.
Kane also received the award for best men’s striker.
