Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Bundesliga player to receive football’s most prestigious individual award since Matthias Sammer in 1996.
The Bayern Munich striker received the trophy on Monday, October 26, at London’s Palladium Theatre. His victory also ended England’s 25-year wait for a men’s Ballon d’Or winner.
Kane is the first English footballer to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001. He finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in the voting.
The 33-year-old scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England during the 2025–26 season.
His remarkable scoring record helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title and contributed to England’s World Cup campaign.
Kane Makes History for Bayern Munich and England
Kane’s victory marks the first time a Bayern Munich player has won the Ballon d’Or since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
It also makes him only the fifth English footballer to receive the award, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer praised Kane’s achievement, highlighting his ability to score consistently while contributing to the team’s overall play.
The England captain appeared emotional as he accepted the trophy, thanking his family, teammates and coaches for their support.
Kane reflected on the difficulties he experienced early in his career, including loan spells in England’s lower divisions.
“Not many people would have thought that, and maybe even I wouldn’t have thought that I could get this far,” he told DAZN.
He explained that determination and self-belief helped him progress from an uncertain young footballer to one of the world’s leading strikers.
Kane also acknowledged Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and England manager Thomas Tuchel, who previously coached him in Munich.
Tuchel congratulated the striker, saying he had long struggled to find new words to describe his performances.
The award represents another milestone for Kane, whose career has taken him from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich and the highest individual recognition in football.
Alexia Putellas Claims Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, securing the award for the third time.
The 32-year-old previously received the trophy in 2021 and 2022, making her one of the most decorated players in women’s football.
Putellas was recognized following a successful season with Barcelona, helping the club win the Women’s Champions League before joining London City Lionesses.
She finished ahead of Poland’s Ewa Pajor and Jamaica’s Khadija Shaw in the voting.
During her acceptance speech, Putellas encouraged young footballers to believe in themselves and continue pursuing their ambitions despite setbacks.
“Believe in yourself, that’s the most important thing,” she said.
Her third victory places her alongside Aitana Bonmatí as a three-time winner of the women’s award.
The London ceremony also recognized several other leading figures in football.
Lamine Yamal received the men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Vicky López won the women’s equivalent.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, and Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching award.
Paris Saint-Germain won Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona claimed the women’s club honor.
The 2026 ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, first awarded in 1956.
