Harry Kane Becomes First English Ballon d’Or Winner in 25 Years
Sport
Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football. At a ceremony at London’s Palladium, the 33-year-old was recognised for scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona.
Kane is the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001. Earlier English recipients included Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan. Kane said he was “almost lost for words” and thanked France Football, England, Bayern, Tottenham, his wife and children. He added that his path had not been easy and could inspire young supporters.
The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website named all three contenders—Kane, Mbappé and Yamal—as winners several hours before the event, publishing separate features on Mbappé and Yamal. The presentation was delayed by 30 minutes to 8:30 p.m. Kane received the trophy to applause and chants of his name, shortly after Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for a third consecutive year, while Vicky López took the women’s award for the second year running. Pere Romeu was named women’s coach of the year, and Luis de la Fuente won the men’s award ahead of Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery. Unai Simón received the Yashin Trophy, and Cata Coll won the women’s award. Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were named clubs of the year.
Alan Shearer presented Kane with the Gerd Müller Trophy for his 73 goals. The ceremony also paid tribute to Kevin Keegan. The awards recognised achievements across men’s and women’s football, including individual performances, coaching and club success. Kane’s victory was the evening’s central moment, despite confusion caused by premature online announcements and the delay to the presentation. The ceremony took place in London on Monday evening.
The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website named all three contenders—Kane, Mbappé and Yamal—as winners several hours before the event, publishing separate features on Mbappé and Yamal. The presentation was delayed by 30 minutes to 8:30 p.m. Kane received the trophy to applause and chants of his name, shortly after Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for a third consecutive year, while Vicky López took the women’s award for the second year running. Pere Romeu was named women’s coach of the year, and Luis de la Fuente won the men’s award ahead of Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery. Unai Simón received the Yashin Trophy, and Cata Coll won the women’s award. Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were named clubs of the year.
Alan Shearer presented Kane with the Gerd Müller Trophy for his 73 goals. The ceremony also paid tribute to Kevin Keegan. The awards recognised achievements across men’s and women’s football, including individual performances, coaching and club success. Kane’s victory was the evening’s central moment, despite confusion caused by premature online announcements and the delay to the presentation. The ceremony took place in London on Monday evening.
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