By Segun Adebayo
England captain, Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English footballer to claim the prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The Bayern Munich striker beat a strong field of contenders, including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and eight-time winner Lionel Messi, to take home the honour at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday.
Kane’s triumph follows an outstanding season in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, helping Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title.
The 33-year-old also played a key role in England’s impressive World Cup campaign, with the national team securing third place in North America.
His remarkable goalscoring record and influence on Bayern’s success strengthened his case for the award, which recognises the best-performing footballer over the preceding season.
The victory also represents a major personal milestone for Kane, whose decision to leave his boyhood club, Tottenham Hotspur, for Bayern Munich has now been rewarded with one of football’s most coveted individual honours.
Kane’s achievement ends a 25-year wait for an English winner, following Owen’s triumph in 2001.
The ceremony also saw Spain international Alexia Putellas win the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, following her previous victories in 2021 and 2022.
Barcelona’s Yamal, meanwhile, received the men’s Kopa Trophy, recognising the best young player.
The 2026 ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or and the first time the awards were staged in London.
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