England captain Harry Kane won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
The Bayern Munich striker beat competition from France forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal to collect his maiden Ballon d’Or at the Palladium Theatre in London.
Kane’s triumph ends England’s long wait for the award since former Liverpool striker Michael Owen won it in 2001.
The 33-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025/2026 campaign, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country.
His prolific performances helped Bayern secure a domestic league and cup double, while he also played a key role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Kane’s award recognises his remarkable consistency in front of goal, leadership and influence on the game after years of establishing himself among the world’s leading forwards.
The England captain, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, has continued to deliver impressive performances since joining the German champions.
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo presented the award at Monday’s ceremony.
Kane’s victory also makes him only the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
Meanwhile, Spain international Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding another major individual honour to her collection.
Barcelona’s Yamal, one of the leading contenders for the men’s award, won the Young Talent of the Year prize, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year.
Paris Saint-Germain won the Men’s Club of the Year award, while Barcelona claimed the women’s honour.
England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work and social initiatives connected to football.
The 2026 ceremony was the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, organised by French magazine France Football.
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