RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English footballer to claim the prestigious individual award in 25 years.
Kane was announced as the winner during Monday’s ceremony at the London Palladium, ending England’s wait for a men’s Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen received the honour in 2001.
The striker emerged from a competitive field that included Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé.
His recognition followed an outstanding 2025–26 campaign in which he scored prolifically for Bayern Munich and England, helping the German club secure domestic success.
Kane also received the Men’s Striker of the Year award during the ceremony, recognising his remarkable goalscoring performances.
Accepting the striker’s award earlier in the evening, Kane described the previous season as the finest of his career and credited his teammates and family for their contributions.
The ceremony also celebrated Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas, who claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
Putellas, who helped Barcelona win major domestic and European trophies during the 2025–26 season, equalled Aitana Bonmatí’s record of three women’s awards.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal received the men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while fellow Spanish international Vicky López won the corresponding women’s honour.
Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona women’s coach Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching award.
Spain internationals Unai Simón and Cata Coll took the goalkeeping honours.
England and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for his humanitarian and community initiatives.
Paris Saint-Germain were named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona received the women’s club award.
Mexican forward Charlyn Corral was recognised as Women’s Striker of the Year.
Earlier, the ceremony was overshadowed by confusion after the official Ballon d’Or website prematurely published articles naming several players as potential winners.
Organisers subsequently clarified that the articles had been prepared for multiple nominees and did not indicate the final voting results.
Kane’s eventual victory marked a significant personal achievement for the England captain and restored English representation to the men’s Ballon d’Or winners’ list after more than two decades.
