LONDON, UK — Harry Kane completed his remarkable journey to football’s highest individual honour on Monday, winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a prolific season with Bayern Munich and England. The 33-year-old striker became the first Englishman to claim the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane finished ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal after scoring 73 goals for club and country during the 2025–26 campaign. His outstanding performances helped Bayern secure domestic silverware, while he also captained England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Wow, wow, wow!” Kane said as he took to the stage to receive the award. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.”
He also congratulated the other nominees and winners, praising the determination and hard work required to reach the highest level of the sport.
Kane’s victory followed a season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, helping the German club win the Bundesliga and domestic cup. He finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country, underlining his consistency and clinical finishing.
His influence extended to the international stage, where he scored six goals at the World Cup as England reached the semi-finals. The achievement further strengthened his standing as one of his country’s greatest forwards.
The award marked the culmination of a career built on persistence. After struggling to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur as a young player and spending time on loan at several clubs, Kane developed into one of the most accomplished centre-forwards of his generation.
In his emotional acceptance speech, he thanked his coaches, teammates, former club Tottenham Hotspur, his wife Kate and those who supported him throughout his career.
“It’s about the journey,” Kane said. “Anything is possible, work hard when nobody is watching.”
Addressing young aspiring footballers, he added: “For any young boy or girl wanting to achieve their dreams, anything is possible. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs. I had to find my way to be the very best right now.”
Kane’s triumph places him among an exclusive group of English Ballon d’Or winners, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. He has also established himself as England’s leading goalscorer and a record-setting scorer at the World Cup for the national team.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, following her successful 2025–26 campaign with Barcelona. She had previously claimed the honour in 2021 and 2022 before returning to the top of women’s football.
Putellas later moved to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses after spending 14 years at Barcelona.
Spain and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal won the men’s young talent award, while teammate Vicky López received the women’s honour for the second consecutive year.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu won the women’s coaching award.
Spain and Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón claimed the men’s goalkeeper award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the women’s prize.
Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year, with Barcelona taking the women’s award. Kane also collected the Men’s Striker of the Year prize, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral was recognised as Women’s Striker of the Year.
Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work, recognising his contributions to social causes.
Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory represents a defining moment in his career and a landmark achievement for English football, rewarding a season of exceptional goalscoring, consistency and leadership.
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