Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or winner, capping a prolific campaign for Bayern Munich and the England national team. The award was presented at the 70th edition of the ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The 33-year-old striker finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, who finished third. His victory marks a major milestone for English football, with Michael Owen having been the last English player to win the award in 2001.
Kane’s outstanding season.
Kane’s award-winning season was built on remarkable goalscoring consistency. He scored 73 goals across club and international football during the 2025/26 campaign, including 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, according to Reuters. His performances helped Bayern secure domestic league and cup honours, while he also made a significant contribution to England’s World Cup campaign.
At Bayern, Kane continued to establish himself as one of Europe’s most productive forwards, combining clinical finishing with his ability to link play and create opportunities for teammates. He also won the men’s Striker of the Year honour at the ceremony, adding another individual prize to an already successful season.
A historic moment for English football.
Kane becomes only the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, joining Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen. His triumph ends a 25-year wait for an English winner and adds a significant chapter to his career as captain of the national team.
Reacting to the award, Kane described the season as the best of his career and acknowledged the contribution of his Bayern and England teammates, coaches and everyone who supported him along the way. Other winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, while Yamal received the men’s Young Talent of the Year award. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was named men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and national-team coach Luis de la Fuente won the men’s Coach of the Year award.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives. Paris Saint-Germain was named men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the women’s club award.
Kane’s triumph places him among the game’s most celebrated players and gives English football a long-awaited return to the top of the Ballon d’Or honours list.
