Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d’Or, Ends England’s 25-Year Wait

Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player to claim football’s prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane received the honour at the 70th edition of the ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, beating Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal to the top prize.

The 33-year-old’s triumph followed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England, including 61 goals for his club and 12 for the national team.

His impressive performances helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title and secure a domestic treble, while his contributions for England further strengthened his case for the award.

Kane also finished as the Bundesliga’s leading scorer for the third consecutive season and recorded 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals.

His victory marks a major milestone for English football, ending a 25-year wait for a male winner of the Ballon d’Or. Owen was the last Englishman to receive the award after his outstanding performances for Liverpool in 2001.

Kane joins an elite group of English winners that includes Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. Keegan won the award twice, in 1978 and 1979.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Kane expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging the contributions of his teammates, coaches and family.

Other Winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or

Spain international Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022.

Yamal received the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while his Barcelona teammate Vicky López won the women’s equivalent.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, with Barcelona’s Cata Coll receiving the women’s award.

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente won Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona women’s coach Pere Romeu claimed the corresponding women’s honour.

Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the women’s club award.

Kane also received the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico international Charlyn Corral won the women’s equivalent.

Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory represents one of the biggest individual milestones of his career and further cements his standing among the leading forwards of his generation.