Harry Kane claims men’s Ballon d’Or to end England’s 25-year wait for winner

Goal after goal, record after record. A remarkable season has been rewarded with football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or. England captain Harry Kane won the Golden Ball for the first time, beating young rivals Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.

On the night an English man ended a 25-year wait for the Ballon d’Or, Spanish women’s football star Alexia Putellas also took the spotlight. She won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony was held on Monday night at the Palladium Theatre in London. Organised by the French magazine France Football, it was the first time the award was presented outside the French capital, Paris, and in the United Kingdom instead. The event was given special significance in memory of English legend Sir Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d’Or winner, in 1956.

Kane was a goal machine for Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 season. He scored 61 goals in 51 matches for the club in all competitions, and added 12 more for England. His remarkable tally of 73 goals in 65 matches earned him this crown of individual excellence.

He also contributed significantly to Bayern’s domestic league and cup triumphs. At the World Cup, the striker scored six goals for England and played a key role in taking the team to the semi-finals.

With this win, Kane became the first English player to take the award since Michael Owen in 2001, and the fifth English player overall. Before him, Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen had won the men’s Ballon d’Or.

In this year’s vote, France’s Kylian Mbappé finished second and Spain’s Lamine Yamal third. Rodri was fourth and Lionel Messi fifth.

Holding the trophy, an emotional Kane said that receiving this recognition in London was something special to him. He sees the achievement as recognition of hard work, perseverance and a long journey. He thanked his wife Kate, his family, Bayern Munich, the England team and his former club Tottenham.

In the women’s game, Alexia Putellas drew the spotlight to herself. After 2021 and 2022, the Spanish midfielder won the women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time. Her contribution was vital as Barcelona won the domestic league, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League last season. She joined London City Lionesses in July. With this award, Putellas further cemented her standing in women’s football.

But the night did not belong only to Kane and Putellas. Yamal once again showed his class in the young player’s category, while Barcelona’s Vicky López stood out in the women’s section. Goalkeepers, coaches, clubs and humanitarian work were also recognised, with stars celebrating success.

The Ballon d’Or night was therefore more than an awards ceremony. It was a story of consistency, perseverance, team success and dreams fulfilled. For Kane, it ended a long wait. For Putellas, it was another entry in the history books. The night in London will live on in the memory of football fans for the brilliance of two very different achievements.

Ballon d’Or 2026 winners at a glance

Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
Men’s Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal
Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López
Men’s Yashin Trophy: Unai Simón
Women’s Yashin Trophy: Cata Coll
Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente
Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu
Men’s Club of the Year: PSG
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane
Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Charlyne Corral
Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka