Harry Kane has won this year’s Ballon d’Or after another stunning goalscoring season for Bayern Munich and England.
Kane, who scored 73 goals plus eight assists across club and international competitions in the 2025-26 season, becomes the first Englishman to win the prestigious prize since Michael Owen achieved the feat.
The 33-year-old was crowned the world’s best footballer at a glitzy event at the London Palladium on Monday night – ahead of Kylian Mbappe (second) and Lamine Yamal (third).
He is the fifth Englishman to win in total, with Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) the others.
‘I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.
‘Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve.’
The striker was quick to recognise his Bayern Munich and England team-mates for helping him on his journey.
Speaking of the former, he said: ‘Without you guys and the rest of the team it wouldn’t be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much. To Vinny [manager Vincent Kompany]. I know he is at home or still in the hospital. Wishing you well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy. To all the staff we way train and the way you push us it is a credit to yourself.
‘Since I have been with you I have improved as player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. An honour to play for Bayern Munich. To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich.’
Recognising his England peers, the Three Lions captain said: ‘To my England team-mates, again the same. We had a special year. It wasn’t the perfect year, but we had a load of great moments.
‘We built a great bond together. The togetherness in the hotel in the World Cup. An honour to captain you and lead you. It makes me extremely proud. This one is for all of us for sure. Thomas Tuchel and the staff at England, again the leadership the way you drive us, the way you push standards is something to be admired.’
Aside from Bayern and England, Kane thanked all of those who have helped him on his journey from his coaches, to those at Tottenham and his family as well.
Alexis Putellas wins a record-equalling third women’s Ballon d’Or
London City Lionesses and Spain star Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a record-equalling third time – matching the feat by last year’s victor Aitana Bonmati.
The 32-year-old beat Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw to the award.
‘All the boys and girls around the world – if you love football and if you want to play football, play football. It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or if you’re a girl,’ Putellas said.
‘Doesn’t matter where you come from. Don’t listen if someone tells you, you can’t do it. Believe in yourself.’
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winners in full
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses/Barcelona & Spain)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky Lopez (Barcelona & Spain)
Men’s Striker of the Year: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca & Mexico)
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simon (Athletic Club & Spain)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona & Spain)
Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
Socrates Award (for humanitarian work): Bukayo Saka (Arsenal & England)
