Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been named the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first English player to claim the award in 25 years, as the full list of winners was revealed at a ceremony in London on Monday.
Kane, who scored 73 goals for club and country last season, beat Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to the prize. He follows Michael Owen, the last English winner in 2001, along with Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless,” an emotional Kane said on stage. “Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.
“It’s just the journey. For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible. I hope my journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration.”
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, her third time claiming the award.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent award, while Vicky Lopez took the Women’s Young Talent prize.
Full list of winners
– Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
– Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
– Men’s Striker of the Year: Harry Kane
– Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral
– Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
– Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
– Socrates Award (humanitarian work): Bukayo Saka
– Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simón
– Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll
– Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente
– Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu
– Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal
– Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky Lopez
