Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or 2026 as Alexia Putellas makes history with third title
Harry Kane celebrates winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or alongside the ceremony’s top award winners in London.
Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or 2026, ending England’s 25-year wait for football’s most prestigious individual award, while Alexia Putellas claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or at a star-studded ceremony in London on Monday, October 26.
The Bayern Munich and England captain enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 campaign, scoring 73 goals for club and country. His extraordinary scoring record, combined with major team achievements, helped him secure the men’s award ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony took place at the London Palladium, marking the first time the event was held in England. The location also paid tribute to Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner of the award in 1956.
Harry Kane ends England’s 25-year Ballon d’Or wait
Kane’s victory marks a major milestone for English football. Michael Owen was the last Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, achieving the feat in 2001. Kane has now become the fifth English player to claim the prestigious honour, joining Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
The 33-year-old striker scored 61 goals for Bayern Munich across competitions and added 12 for England, taking his overall tally to 73. His performances helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title and German Cup, while England finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kane also won the Gerd Müller Trophy for the best striker, adding another individual honour to an already outstanding season.
Speaking after receiving the award, Kane highlighted the importance of persistence and self-belief, reflecting on the challenges he faced earlier in his career.
“Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching,” he said, encouraging young players to learn from setbacks and continue pursuing their ambitions.
He also thanked his teammates, coaches, family and wife, Kate, for supporting him throughout his journey.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, praising his performances and describing the national team as fortunate to have him as its leader.
Kylian Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. Yamal, however, had his own reason to celebrate after winning the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year.
Alexia Putellas wins her third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas was another major winner in London, securing the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career.
The Spanish midfielder previously won the award in 2021 and 2022 while playing for Barcelona. Her latest victory represents a significant return to the top after an anterior cruciate ligament injury disrupted her career and teammate Aitana Bonmatí subsequently dominated the award.
Putellas helped Barcelona enjoy another successful season before joining London City Lionesses during the offseason. She also contributed to Spain’s success in the Women’s Nations League.
Her third triumph places her alongside Bonmatí in the record books for the most Women’s Ballon d’Or victories.
Reflecting on her journey, Putellas encouraged young footballers to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, even when circumstances force them to start again.
Her achievement also highlights the growing recognition of women’s football, with the Women’s Ballon d’Or first introduced in 2018.
Ballon d’Or 2026: Full list of winners
The ceremony recognised outstanding performances across men’s and women’s football, including individual excellence, coaching achievements, goalkeeping and club success.
Here is the complete list of winners from the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony:
- 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: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women’s Club of the Year: FC Barcelona
- Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane
- Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Charlyn Corral
- Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka
Paris Saint-Germain received the men’s Club of the Year award, while Barcelona were recognised in the women’s category. Spain’s influence was also evident across several individual awards, with Yamal, López, Simón, Coll and national team coach Luis de la Fuente among the winners.
Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian initiatives and social contributions associated with football.
What Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory means
Kane’s success is significant not only because it ends England’s long wait for the award but also because it recognises a season defined by consistent goalscoring and team success.
For years, the striker was celebrated for his finishing ability but faced questions about whether he could translate his individual achievements into major trophies. His latest campaign with Bayern Munich and England has strengthened his case as one of the leading forwards of his generation.
Meanwhile, Putellas’ third title underlines her lasting influence on the women’s game and her ability to return to the highest level after serious injury.
With the major individual awards decided, attention now turns to the remainder of the European football season and the next generation of players seeking to follow in their footsteps.
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