Harry Kane has claimed the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player in 25 years to receive football’s most prestigious individual honour.
After two hours of celebration at London’s Palladium Theatre, Kane’s name was revealed from the final envelope, prompting huge cheers throughout the venue. Shortly beforehand, London City Lionesses midfielder Alexia Putellas secured the women’s Ballon d’Or, earning the award for a third time, five years after her first triumph with Barcelona.
Kane topped the men’s rankings ahead of fellow leading contenders Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid. The result may disappoint senior figures at both clubs, as well as the enormous online followings supporting the two stars who finished behind him.
Nevertheless, Kane is a thoroughly worthy recipient of the game’s highest individual accolade. The L’Équipe-backed prize is decided through votes cast by football journalists and officials from around the world. Kane’s victory recognises a remarkable year in which he collected the European Golden Boot, helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga, captained England to a World Cup semi-final and continued to display exceptional humility despite his superstar status.
Quick Guide
Ballon d’Or: complete list of winners
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Ballon d’Or
Men Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)
Women Alexia Putellas (Spain and London City Lionesses)
Kopa Trophy (under-21)
Men Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
Women Vicky López (Spain and Barcelona)
Yashin Trophy (goalkeeper)
Men Unai Simón (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)
Women Cata Coll (Spain and Barcelona)
Gerd Müller Trophy (striker)
Men Harry Kane
Women Charlyn Corral (Mexico and Pachuca)
Johan Cruyff Trophy (coach)
Men Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Women Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
Club of the Year
Men Paris Saint-Germain Women Barcelona
Sócrates Award (humanitarian)
Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)
“The competition was incredibly strong this year, and I faced so many outstanding players,” Kane said while accepting the award. He also praised the other nominees and expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career.
“I can hardly find the words. Receiving this honour here in London makes the occasion even more meaningful,” he added.
Kane’s goalscoring record this year has been extraordinary, with 89 goals for club and country since August 2025. He has also earned widespread admiration in the Bundesliga for his creativity, awareness, professionalism and contribution beyond scoring. Bayern paid an initial club-record fee of €100m to sign him three years ago, departing from their usual recruitment strategy and prompting some doubts because he was already 30.
His influence both on and away from the field has since shown that investment to be fully justified. Winning the Ballon d’Or places Kane among football’s most distinguished names and makes him the latest recipient of an award dominated for many years by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The honour represents the highest level of sporting recognition and is also likely to significantly increase his present and future commercial value.
More broadly, the award crowns Kane’s journey across a 16-year professional career. After loan periods with Leyton Orient and Millwall, he worked relentlessly to establish himself in the Premier League and has now secured a lasting place among football’s elite players.
Earlier this month, Kane matched England’s record for international appearances and increased his national-team total to 91 goals from 125 matches. At 33, the England captain is still targeting the European Championship on home soil in two years, which could provide one final opportunity to achieve another form of footballing greatness.
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