London: England captain Harry Kane won the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or, ending a 25 year wait for an English winner of football's prestigious individual award.
The 33 year old Bayern Munich striker received the trophy at the London Palladium on Monday, following a record breaking season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country.
Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who came second and third, respectively.
He becomes the fifth English footballer to win the award, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.
Owen was the last English winner, receiving the honour in 2001.
A moving moment in London
Receiving the award in his home country made the occasion especially significant for Kane.
The striker expressed surprise and gratitude in his acceptance speech, thanking voters and acknowledging the other nominees.
He also reflected on the determination and hard work required throughout his career.
Kane joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham in 2023, having established himself as the London club's al time leading goal scorer.
Putellas wins women's Ballon d'Or
Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time after another successful season with Barcelona, before moving to the London City Lionesses.
The result put her alongside the award's most decorated winners.
Lamine Yamal won the men's young player award, and Barcelona’s Vicky López received the women’s equivalent.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente received the men's coach of the year award, while Barcelona's Pere Romeu won the women's coaching honour.
Paris Saint Germain (PSG) were named men's club of the year, while Barcelona received the women's award.
The 2026 ceremony marked the Ballon d'Or's 70th anniversary and was held in London for the first time, honouring Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural award in 1956.
For Kane, the victory marks a significant individual milestone after years of prolific goalscoring for Tottenham, Bayern Munich and England.
