RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has emerged as the winner of the 2026 100 MARCA award, narrowly defeating Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal just four days before the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The 33-year-old England captain finished with 3,962 points, edging Yamal, who secured 3,937 points, by just 25 points in one of the closest contests for the annual football recognition.
Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé finished third with 3,440 points, while Manchester City’s Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completed the top five.
The award, organised by Spanish sports publication MARCA, recognises outstanding footballers based on their performances during the previous season.
A panel of 226 international voters, comprising journalists, former footballers and coaches, participated in selecting the winner from a shortlist of 100 players.
Each voter selected 15 footballers, with points awarded according to their rankings.
Kane’s victory follows an exceptional 2025–2026 campaign in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker also played a major role in Bayern’s domestic success, helping the German club secure the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal.
His performances earned him the European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 Bundesliga goals during the season.
Kane succeeds Lamine Yamal, who won the 100 MARCA recognition for the 2024–2025 season.
Previous recipients include Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior.
Other prominent footballers featured in this year’s top 10 include Lionel Messi, Fabián Ruiz, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Pau Cubarsí.
The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium Theatre.
Kane is among the nominees for the prestigious individual award, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year.
Speaking about the anticipation surrounding the ceremony, Kane acknowledged the uncertainty involved in waiting for the result.
He explained that although he would prefer to know the outcome beforehand, he understood why organisers traditionally maintain secrecy until the awards presentation.
The striker also acknowledged that the uncertainty could be stressful for his family but said he intended to enjoy the occasion.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be staged in London for the first time, marking a tribute to former England international Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural award in 1956.
Although Kane’s latest recognition adds another individual honour to his career, the 100 MARCA award is separate from the Ballon d’Or, whose winner will be announced on October 26.
