England captain Harry Kane has been named the winner of the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, capping a remarkable season for Bayern Munich with one of football’s most prestigious individual honours.
Kane claimed the award ahead of French forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday night.
The 33-year-old striker was rewarded for his outstanding performances during the 2025/2026 season, in which he scored 73 goals and provided eight assists for club and country, establishing himself as one of the most prolific players of the year.
The ceremony was particularly emotional for Kane, who received the award in London, the city where he was born. Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário announced his name as the winner, drawing applause from the audience.
Kane’s triumph also ended a 25-year wait for an Englishman to win the men’s award, following Michael Owen’s success in 2001.
He becomes the fifth Englishman to claim the honour, joining Owen, Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural award in 1956, Sir Bobby Charlton, who received it in 1966, and Kevin Keegan, who won it in consecutive years in 1978 and 1979.
The achievement further strengthens Kane’s standing among the leading strikers of his generation, following years of prolific scoring for both club and country.
As captain of England’s national team, Kane has remained central to the Three Lions’ ambitions on the international stage. His performances during the year under review further enhanced his reputation as a dependable goalscorer and leader.
His individual statistics, comprising 73 goals and eight assists, proved decisive in a highly competitive field featuring some of the biggest names in world football.
Full List of 2026 Ballon d’Or Winners
The ceremony also recognised outstanding performances across women’s football, goalkeeping, coaching, and youth football.
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Kopa Trophy — Best Young Player
- Men: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Women: Vicky López (Barcelona, Spain)
Yashin Trophy — Best Goalkeeper
- Men: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
- Women: Cata Coll (Barcelona, Spain)
Gerd Müller Trophy — Best Striker
- Men: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women: Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca, Mexico)
Johan Cruyff Trophy — Best Coach
- Men: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
- Women: Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
Club of the Year
- Men: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women: Barcelona
Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)
Kane’s double recognition as the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner and recipient of the Gerd Müller Trophy underscored the extraordinary goalscoring form that defined his season.
His victory marks a major milestone in his career and returns the men’s Ballon d’Or to an English player for the first time since Owen’s triumph at the beginning of the century.
