Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d’Or

27 October 2026, 9:10 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the fifth Englishman to receive football’s prestigious individual award.

The 33-year-old was crowned at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium Theatre in London on Monday evening, ending England’s 25-year wait for the men’s award.

Kane joins Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural award in 1956, Bobby Charlton in 1966, Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979, and Michael Owen in 2001 as English winners of the honour.

Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé finished second, while Barcelona and Spain attacker Lamine Yamal came third.

Kane’s victory follows an outstanding 2025/26 season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich. He added 12 goals for England, taking his tally to 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country.

His goals helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title, the German Cup and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup. He also helped England finish third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reflecting on his achievement, Kane said his journey had involved challenges, hard work and self-belief, particularly during the early stages of his career.

“I had to bide my time and work hard. A lot of times it was me against my own mind, and I had to come through it. I had to show self-belief and determination,” he said.

England manager Thomas Tuchel welcomed the award, praising Kane’s contribution to the national team.

In the women’s category, Spain international Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022.

Kane’s victory also places him among an elite group of players to have won the award. Lionel Messi remains the record holder with eight titles, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five. Together, the two have won the award 13 times.