Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first English player to claim football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The 33-year-old was rewarded for his outstanding performances for club and country during the 2025/26 season at the award ceremony held at the London Palladium in London, United Kingdom, on Monday night, after scoring 73 goals across all competitions.
Kane enjoyed a successful campaign with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup before captaining England to a third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The England international finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who came second, and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, who secured third place. Barcelona midfielder Rodri finished fourth, while Lionel Messi completed the top five.
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Speaking after receiving the award, Kane expressed his delight at winning the prestigious honour in his home country.
“I am almost speechless. Being here in London is so special. It looked like a good omen for me,” he said.
The Bayern Munich forward paid tribute to head coach Vincent Kompany who has been suffering with a viral infection, acknowledging the Belgian’s influence on his development since joining the German champions.
“To Vinnie (Kompany)… I know he’s at home, or still in the hospital. I wish you well, and I hope this has given you a bit of energy.
“Since I’ve been with you, I have improved as a player, a person and a leader. I am glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern.”
Kane also reflected on his time with the England national team, describing the campaign as a memorable experience despite falling short of their ultimate ambitions.
“To all my England teammates, we had a special year. It wasn’t the perfect year, but we had a lot of good moments. It was an honour to captain and lead you,” he added.
The striker also acknowledged former club Tottenham Hotspur, crediting the Premier League side for playing a significant role in his journey to football’s summit.
“I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well. I wouldn’t be where I am here today without Tottenham, for sure. You allowed me to live my dream. All the ups and downs along the way on that journey has led me to this moment,” he said.
Kane’s remarkable night also saw him win the Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the best striker, while Mexico international Charlyn Corral claimed the women’s equivalent recognition after scoring 42 goals in 42 appearances for CF Pachuca last season.
Spain enjoyed a successful evening, with several of the country’s leading players and coaches receiving individual honours.
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career, finishing ahead of Ewa Pajor, Khadija Shaw, Melchie Dumornay and Patri Guijarro, who occupied the second to fifth positions respectively.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón claimed the men’s Yashin Trophy, finishing ahead of Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the women’s goalkeeper of the year award.
Yamal, who was among the favourites for the men’s Ballon d’Or, secured the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, further underlining his status as football’s brightest young talent. Barcelona youngster Vicky López also won the women’s young talent of the year award.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year after leading the national team to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu claimed the women’s coach of the year award.
Paris Saint-Germain were named men’s club of the year following another impressive campaign in which they won the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season, alongside the Ligue 1 title, Super Cup and Trophée des Champions.
Barcelona claimed the women’s club of the year award after winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, league title, Supercopa Femenina and Copa de la Reina.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work away from the pitch. The award was presented to him by Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste Burna Boy.
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