Sports
Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or as Alexia Putellas claims women’s award
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to receive football’s prestigious individual award. Kane received the award at a ceremony at the London Palladium in the United Kingdom on Monday, October 26, following a record-breaking season for Bayern Munich and England. […]
manuel ·Oct 27, 2026 ·2 min read
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to receive football’s prestigious individual award.
Kane received the award at a ceremony at the London Palladium in the United Kingdom on Monday, October 26, following a record-breaking season for Bayern Munich and England.
The 33-year-old scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich during the 2025-26 season, helping the German club win the Bundesliga and domestic cup. His goals for club and country totalled 73.
His achievement makes him the first English player to win the men’s award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Speaking after receiving the trophy, Kane thanked those who voted for him and acknowledged the quality of the other nominees.
“I am almost speechless,” he said, adding that winning the award in London made the occasion particularly special.
France forward Kylian Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Spain midfielder Rodri and Argentina captain Lionel Messi completed the top five.
Putellas wins third women’s Ballon d’Or
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, matching the record held by her compatriot Aitana Bonmati.
Putellas earned the award after helping Barcelona enjoy a successful 2025-26 campaign, during which the club won four trophies.
The midfielder left Barcelona in July to join English Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses.
Her latest award adds to the titles she won in 2021 and 2022, when she became the first player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or in consecutive years.
Other awards
The 2026 ceremony recognised outstanding performances across men’s and women’s football, including awards for young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs.
Spain’s Vicky Lopez won the women’s Kopa Trophy, while other honours recognised achievements in coaching, goalkeeping and club football.
England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.
The Ballon d’Or, organised by France Football in partnership with UEFA, recognises the best individual performances over the previous football season. The 2026 ceremony was held in London, marking the first time the event took place in the United Kingdom.
