England captain Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 Men's Ballon d’Or winner, ending England's 25-year wait for football's most prestigious individual award after an extraordinary season with Bayern Munich and the national team.
The 33-year-old striker received the honour on Monday, October 26, at London's Palladium Theatre, finishing ahead of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
In the women's category, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas celebrated another remarkable achievement, winning her third Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign with Barcelona before her summer move to London City Lionesses.
The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or and was held in London for the first time in the award's history.
Kane Ends England's 25-Year Ballon d’Or Drought
Kane's triumph makes him the first English footballer to win the men's award since Michael Owen in 2001.
He joins an exclusive group of English winners that includes Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
The Bayern Munich forward enjoyed the most prolific campaign of his career during the 2025/26 season, scoring an astonishing 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German champions.
His performances helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title and German Cup, while his remarkable consistency established him as one of Europe's most dangerous forwards.
Kane was equally influential on the international stage, scoring six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as England reached the semi-finals before securing third place.
Across club and international competitions, the England captain finished the season with an incredible 73 goals.
His outstanding performances ultimately convinced Ballon d’Or voters to place him ahead of Mbappe, who finished second, and Yamal, who completed the podium.
Emotional Kane Pays Tribute to Family and Tottenham
An emotional Kane struggled to contain his feelings after receiving the prestigious golden trophy.
The England captain described the achievement as particularly special because the ceremony was taking place in London, where his professional career began.
He expressed gratitude to his Bayern Munich teammates, England colleagues, coaches and family for supporting him throughout his football journey.
Kane also reserved special appreciation for Tottenham Hotspur, the club where he developed into one of the world's leading strikers before joining Bayern in 2023.
Despite leaving Tottenham without winning a major team trophy, Kane established himself as the club's all-time leading goalscorer.
His departure to Germany marked a turning point in his career, bringing domestic silverware and now the sport's most celebrated individual honour.
The striker also paid an emotional tribute to his wife Kate and their children, recognising their sacrifices throughout his career.
England manager Thomas Tuchel congratulated his captain, praising his performances and leadership.
Prince William also celebrated the historic achievement, describing Kane as an exceptional footballer and captain.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women's Ballon d’Or
Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas strengthened her place among women's football's greatest players after collecting her third Ballon d’Or.
The 32-year-old previously won the award in 2021 and 2022 and has now equalled the three titles won by Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati.
Putellas earned the honour following another successful season at Barcelona, where she played a leading role in the club's domestic success before joining London City Lionesses in July 2026.
Her achievement represents another major milestone in a career that has included extraordinary success and a difficult recovery from a serious knee injury.
Speaking after the ceremony, Putellas reflected on the importance of perseverance, enjoying football and continuously challenging herself.
The Spanish midfielder finished ahead of Poland international Ewa Pajor, while Manchester City's Khadija Shaw claimed third place.
Haiti international Melchie Dumornay finished fourth, with Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro completing the top five.
Men's Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 10 Rankings
- Harry Kane – Bayern Munich, England
- Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid, France
- Lamine Yamal – Barcelona, Spain
- Rodri – Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain
- Lionel Messi – Inter Miami, Argentina
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia
- Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain, France
- Erling Haaland – Manchester City, Norway
- Michael Olise – Bayern Munich, France
- Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain, Spain
Women's Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 10 Rankings
- Alexia Putellas – London City Lionesses, Spain
- Ewa Pajor – Barcelona, Poland
- Khadija Shaw – Manchester City, Jamaica
- Melchie Dumornay – OL Lyonnes, Haiti
- Patri Guijarro – Barcelona, Spain
- Caroline Graham Hansen – Barcelona, Norway
- Pernille Harder – Bayern Munich, Denmark
- Claudia Pina – Barcelona, Spain
- Alessia Russo – Arsenal, England
- Temwa Chawinga – Kansas City Current, Malawi
Lamine Yamal and Bukayo Saka Among Other Award Winners
The ceremony also recognised outstanding achievements across several categories in men's and women's football.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal received the men's Young Talent of the Year award, while fellow Barcelona player Vicky Lopez claimed the women's equivalent.
Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and positive contributions beyond football.
Paris Saint-Germain were named Men's Club of the Year, while Barcelona Femeni claimed the women's club award.
Full List of 2026 Ballon d’Or Award Winners
- Men's Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
- Women's Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
- Men's Striker of the Year: Harry Kane
- Women's Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral
- Men's Young Talent: Lamine Yamal
- Women's Young Talent: Vicky Lopez
- Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simon
- Women's Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll
- Men's Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente
- Women's Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu
- Men's Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona Femeni
- Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka
A Historic Night for English and Spanish Football
Kane's victory represents a significant moment for English football, bringing the men's Ballon d’Or back to England for the first time in a quarter of a century.
It also ends Bayern Munich's long wait for a winner, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge previously becoming the last player from the German club to claim the award in 1981.
For Putellas, a third Ballon d’Or reinforces her extraordinary contribution to women's football and completes another memorable chapter in her career.
With established stars such as Mbappe and emerging talents including Yamal continuing to challenge for individual honours, the competition for football's biggest prize remains fierce.
However, the 2026 ceremony ultimately belonged to two experienced players whose consistency, determination and outstanding performances earned them a place in football history.
