Harry Kane Wins First Ballon d'Or, Ending 25-Year English Drought

Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to receive the honor since Michael Owen in 2001. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker secured the award at a ceremony held in London on October 26, 2026, ahead of Kylian Mbappé in second place and Lamine Yamal in third. Kane's victory comes after a prolific 2025/26 season in which he scored 73 goals across 65 appearances for club and country, including 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich and 6 goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as England finished third.

Kane's achievements extended beyond the Ballon d'Or. He also won the Men's Striker of the Year award and the Gerd Müller Trophy as the leading men's goalscorer. His performances helped Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title and secure a domestic treble, while he also contributed 14 UEFA Champions League goals as the club reached the semi-finals. The England captain finished as top scorer in the German top flight for the third consecutive season.

At the ceremony, Kane expressed emotion and gratitude, noting that playing in his native London made the achievement "extra special." He credited his teammates, coaches, and wife Kate for their support, and reflected on his journey to the top as an inspiration for young footballers. His win marks a significant milestone for English football, ending a quarter-century without a Ballon d'Or winner from England.

The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony, held for the first time outside Paris, also saw Spain's Alexia Putellas claim her third women's Ballon d'Or award. Lamine Yamal, at 19 years old, won the Men's Young Talent of the Year (Kopa Trophy) for the third consecutive year but fell short of becoming the youngest Ballon d'Or winner. Other major awards included Luis de la Fuente as Men's Coach of the Year following Spain's World Cup victory, and Bukayo Saka receiving the Sócrates Award for humanitarian initiatives.