Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the world’s best male footballer. The England captain and Bayern Munich striker received the award on October 26 at the London Palladium. He is the first English player to win it since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane had an outstanding season. He scored 73 goals in 65 matches for club and country. For Bayern, he scored 61 goals in 51 games, a club record. Bayern won the German league and cup. Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award on the same night. He finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé in second place and Lamine Yamal in third.

Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career. Lamine Yamal took the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award for the third year in a row, while Vicky López won the women’s version. Unai Simón was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Cata Coll won the women’s award. Luis de la Fuente was Men’s Coach of the Year after Spain’s World Cup success, and Pere Romeu won the women’s coach prize.

Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year and Barcelona won the women’s club award. Charlyn Corral took the Women’s Striker of the Year prize, and Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work. The ceremony in London marked the first time the event was held outside France or Switzerland.

Kane called the win beyond his wildest dreams and said being in London made it extra special. At 33, his consistent scoring and leadership have now been recognised with football’s top individual prize.