Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a prolific season with FC Bayern Munich, beating Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé to football’s most prestigious individual honour.
The England captain was crowned the world’s best men’s footballer at Monday’s ceremony at the London Palladium, which marked the 70th anniversary of the award first presented in 1956.
Kane’s triumph ends a 25-year wait for an English winner, making him the first player from England to claim the prize since Michael Owen in 2001. The achievement also places him among a select group of five English footballers to have received the honour since its introduction.
The 33-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions and helping the German giants secure the Bundesliga and German Cup double. His scoring exploits, consistency and contribution to Bayern’s success strengthened his case for the award.
Kane also played a major role in England’s run to a third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, scoring six goals during the tournament. His performances for club and country gave him a compelling claim against a strong field of contenders.
The forward’s victory came ahead of Mbappé (second), who enjoyed another prolific campaign for Real Madrid, and Yamal (third), whose performances for Barcelona and Spain kept him among the leading candidates. The result represents a significant personal milestone for Kane after years of elite-level performances and a long wait for major individual recognition.
Even though Yamal failed to win the ultimate and finished third, at 19, he has become the youngest player in history to make the podium twice after finishing second behind Ousman Dembele last year.
In his response to the honour, Kane has emphasised the collective effort behind his achievements, acknowledging the support of his Bayern Munich teammates and staff, England’s Three Lions squad, and former club Tottenham Hotspur.
He has also expressed gratitude to the managers who shaped different stages of his career. Before the ceremony, he described the previous campaign as “by far, it was the best season of my life.”
Kane’s award also adds to his recognition as one of the campaign’s outstanding goalscorers, with the Bayern striker taking the men’s Striker of the Year prize alongside the Ballon d’Or.
Putellas Claims Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding another milestone to her distinguished career. The Spanish midfielder previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, becoming the second player after Aitana Bonmati to secure three editions of the women’s prize.
Putellas emerged ahead of a competitive field that included Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, Melchie Dumornay, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Pernille Harder, Ewa Pajor, Clàudia Pina, Alessia Russo and Khadija Shaw in the final ten.
Her recognition follows years of excellence at Barcelona, where she established herself as one of the leading figures in women’s football, winning major domestic and European honours before joining London Lionesses in England. Her performances and influence have continued to distinguish her among the game’s elite.
Yamal and López Retain Young Talent Honours
Yamal had a consolation on the night by winning the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award for the third consecutive time, underlining his remarkable development at Barcelona.
The Spain international has become one of the most influential young players in world football, combining creativity, technical quality and attacking output.
Barcelona Femení youngster Vicky López retained the women’s equivalent after winning it last year. The double success further highlighted Barcelona’s strength in developing young talent across its men’s and women’s teams.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente won Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding his country to the World Cup title in North America. He beat Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique and Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany.
Barcelona Femení coach Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year award, recognising his work with the Spanish club.
Simón, Saka and Club Awards
Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón won Goalkeeper of the Year, beating competition that included Arsenal’s David Raya and PSG’s Matvei Safonov. His performances for Spain and Athletic Club strengthened his standing among the leading goalkeepers of the season.
Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award, which recognises footballers who use their influence to support social causes and make a positive difference beyond the pitch.
The honour celebrates initiatives involving community development, inclusion, charitable work and social responsibility.
Paris Saint-Germain won Men’s Club of the Year, continuing the recognition of the French side’s success in Europe, while Barcelona Femení took the women’s award.
Kane Adds Striker Award as Ballon d’Or Marks 70 Years
Kane also collected the Men’s Striker of the Year award for his goalscoring exploits. The corresponding women’s award recognises the highest-scoring forward during the review period rather than being determined through the Ballon d’Or’s traditional journalist vote.
The Ballon d’Or was established by France Football in 1956, with England’s Stanley Matthews becoming its inaugural winner.
The award has since grown into one of football’s most prestigious individual honours. UEFA joined France Football’s parent organisation in co-organising the ceremony from 2024.
The 2026 edition in London honoured that history while recognising achievements across men’s and women’s football.
B.O.A.T To Be Announced on Wednesday
Meanwhile, a separate Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) category has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, as voting is still ongoing.
This special category invites football fans to vote for the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign in history. The shortlist comprises 10 multiple-time winners of the prestigious award, including Lionel Messi, an eight-time recipient, Cristiano Ronaldo (5-time champion), Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo Nazário, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Kevin Keegan.
Unlike the regular Ballon d’Or, which recognises a player’s performances during a specific season, the B.O.A.T. category focuses on the legacy of past winners and the campaigns that defined their place in football history. Fans will determine the winner through a public vote, with the announcement yet to be made.
For Kane, the night was the culmination of a remarkable season and a landmark moment for English football. His victory over Mbappé and Yamal rewards a campaign defined by extraordinary goalscoring and major team success.
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