Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d'Or as Putellas Claims Third Crown

Harry Kane Makes History with First Ballon d'Or

Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or winner, becoming the first English player to claim football's prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

The Bayern Munich and England striker received the honour at the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony, held at London's Palladium Theatre on Monday, 26 October. Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

The ceremony also saw Spanish star Alexia Putellas win her third Women's Ballon d'Or, adding another major achievement to her remarkable career.

Kane's Incredible 73-Goal Season

The 33-year-old striker enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England across all competitions.

Kane helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title as part of a domestic treble, finished as the German league's leading scorer for the third consecutive season and scored 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals.

His remarkable performances earned him both the Men's Ballon d'Or and the Men's Striker of the Year award.

Mbappé and Yamal Complete the Top Three

Kylian Mbappé finished second in the men's voting, with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal taking third place.

The top five also included Rodri in fourth and Lionel Messi in fifth, highlighting the competition among established stars and the next generation of elite players.

Yamal did not leave London empty-handed, however, as the Barcelona youngster received the Men's Young Talent of the Year award.

Putellas Wins Her Third Women's Ballon d'Or

Alexia Putellas claimed the Women's Ballon d'Or for the third time, following her previous victories in 2021 and 2022.

The Spanish midfielder played a major role in Barcelona's successful 2025/26 UEFA Women's Champions League campaign, contributing seven goals and seven assists.

Putellas finished ahead of Ewa Pajor and Khadija Shaw in the women's rankings.

Barcelona also enjoyed significant success in the other women's categories, winning Women's Club of the Year, while Pere Romeu was named Women's Coach of the Year.

Ballon d'Or 2026: Major Award Winners

Men's Ballon d'Or: Harry Kane — Bayern Munich / England

Women's Ballon d'Or: Alexia Putellas — Barcelona / London City Lionesses / Spain

Men's Young Talent: Lamine Yamal — Barcelona

Women's Young Talent: Vicky López — Barcelona

Men's Goalkeeper: Unai Simón — Athletic Club

Women's Goalkeeper: Cata Coll — Barcelona

Men's Coach: Luis de la Fuente — Spain

Women's Coach: Pere Romeu — Barcelona

Men's Club: Paris Saint-Germain

Women's Club: Barcelona

Men's Striker: Harry Kane

Women's Striker: Charlyn Corral

Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka

A Historic Night in London

The 2026 ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or, established by France Football in 1956.

For the first time, the awards were held in London, paying tribute to English football legend Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d'Or winner.

Seventy years later, another English footballer stood at the centre of the celebrations as Harry Kane added his name to the award's history.

Article based on UEFA's official 26 October announcements.

UEFA.com

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