Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or 2026, beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to football’s biggest individual prize at Monday night’s ceremony in London. The Bayern Munich and England captain is the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or, while Paris Saint-Germain were named men’s Club of the Year.
Ballon d’Or 2026: Key Facts
- Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
- Venue: London Palladium, London
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Runner-up: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
- Third place: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Spain)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Wait
For years, Kane’s critics pointed to his lack of team trophies. Since moving to Bayern Munich, he has added silverware to his goal record, and now he has the individual crown to go with it. He reportedly scored more than 70 goals for club and country last season, a remarkable total that made him the favourite going into the ceremony.
Kane becomes only the fifth English winner of the Ballon d’Or, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen. Fittingly, it happened in his home city, a few miles from where he started his career at Tottenham.
He also collected the Gerd Muller Trophy for the season’s top striker, making it a double celebration for the Bayern forward.
What Kane said
Kane admitted he was almost lost for words on stage. He said winning the award in London felt like a good omen, and he thanked his Bayern teammates and staff, the England set-up and Tottenham, the club that gave him his chance. He also spoke about his own route to the top, which included several loan spells, and said he hoped it would inspire young players whose careers do not follow a straight line.
Mbappe and Yamal Complete the Top Three
Kylian Mbappe finished second, continuing his run as one of the most consistent forwards in the world at Real Madrid. Lamine Yamal was third, but the Barcelona star did not leave empty-handed. He won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player for the third year in a row, underlining just how special he has been since bursting onto the scene as a teenager.
Full List of Ballon d’Or 2026 Winners
Men’s awards
- Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Kopa Trophy (best young player): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper): Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
- Gerd Muller Trophy (best striker): Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach): Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
- Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Women’s awards
- Ballon d’Or Feminin: Alexia Putellas
- Kopa Trophy: Vicky Lopez (Barcelona)
- Yashin Trophy: Cata Coll (Barcelona)
- Gerd Muller Trophy: Charlyn Corral (Pachuca)
- Johan Cruyff Trophy: Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
- Club of the Year: Barcelona
Talking Points
Spain dominate the supporting awards
Spanish football had a big night. Luis de la Fuente was named best coach, Unai Simon took the goalkeeping prize and Yamal kept hold of the Kopa Trophy. On the women’s side, Putellas, Vicky Lopez and Cata Coll all won awards, with Barcelona also named women’s Club of the Year.
PSG recognised as a team
PSG had ten players among the 30 men’s nominees and were named Club of the Year, a reward for their success over the past year. The ceremony took place on the same night they beat Lyon 2-0 to go top of Ligue 1, in a match that had been pushed back a day.
Saka honoured off the pitch
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award, which recognises players for their charity and community work. It was a welcome boost for the winger, who is currently out injured.
What It Means for Bayern and England
Kane’s win adds to the feel-good factor at Bayern, who also had Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Dayot Upamecano on the shortlist. For England, it is a proud moment for the national team captain. Fans in Kenya who follow the Bundesliga and the Champions League will be watching to see if Kane can keep this level going.
For more on the latest football, read our reports on PSG 2-0 Lyon and Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid, or check our latest football predictions.
FAQ
Who won the Ballon d’Or 2026?
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and England won the men’s Ballon d’Or 2026, ahead of Kylian Mbappe in second and Lamine Yamal in third.
Who won the women’s Ballon d’Or 2026?
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or 2026, with Barcelona named women’s Club of the Year.
Where was the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony held?
The ceremony took place at the London Palladium in London on Monday, 26 October 2026.
Who was the last English player to win the Ballon d’Or before Kane?
Michael Owen was the last English winner, in 2001. Kane is the fifth Englishman to win the award.
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