England captain Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a remarkable season with Bayern Munich, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.
The 33-year-old striker received the honour at Monday’s ceremony in London, ending a long pursuit of the award after a career defined by prolific goalscoring and consistent performances.
Kane is the first English player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kane expressed his delight and thanked everyone who voted for him.
“Wow, wow, wow! I am almost speechless,” he said, describing the ceremony in London as particularly special.
He also congratulated the other winners and nominees, adding that determination and hard work could help people achieve their ambitions.
Kane’s Record-Breaking Season at Bayern Munich
Kane’s triumph followed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions.
His goals helped the German club secure a domestic league and cup double, strengthening his position as one of the leading contenders for the award.
The England captain also scored six goals at the World Cup, helping his country reach the semi-finals.
He finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country, underlining his remarkable productivity throughout the season.
Kane joined Bayern Munich in 2023 after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards at Tottenham Hotspur.
Although he had previously struggled to secure major team honours, his move to Germany brought the trophies that had eluded him for much of his career.
Kane Reflects on His Journey
In his acceptance speech, Kane reflected on the challenges he faced before becoming one of football’s leading strikers.
He recalled being sent on several loan spells early in his career before establishing himself at Tottenham and developing into a complete centre-forward.
The striker also thanked his former coaches, Tottenham Hotspur and his wife, Kate, for their support.
“It’s about the journey,” Kane said, encouraging young people to keep working towards their dreams despite setbacks.
He added that he had not risen straight to the top but had to overcome difficulties to reach his current level.
Mbappe Finishes Second as Yamal Takes Third
Kane faced strong competition for the 2026 award, with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal among the leading contenders.
Mbappe finished second, while Yamal came third. Rodri and Lionel Messi completed the top five, according to the published report.
Kane’s consistency and goalscoring output proved decisive in a season in which he delivered impressive performances for both club and country.
The award adds another major individual achievement to the England captain’s career. He is also England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time following a successful 2025-26 campaign with Barcelona.
Putellas helped the Spanish club win a treble and the Spanish Super Cup before moving to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July.
Barcelona and Spain also featured prominently among the other winners.
Yamal claimed the men’s young player award, while Vicky Lopez won the women’s young player prize for the second consecutive year.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching award.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the men’s goalkeeper award, while Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll took the women’s honour.
Paris Saint-Germain won the men’s club of the year award, with Barcelona claiming the women’s equivalent.
Kane also received the men’s striker of the year award, while Charlyn Corral won the women’s striker prize.
Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka was presented with the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work.
