Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or
Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to receive football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The Bayern Munich striker was honoured at the 70th edition of the ceremony at London’s Palladium on Monday, following an outstanding 2025–26 campaign for club and country.
Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, helping the German club secure the Bundesliga and German Cup double. His overall tally, including international matches, reached 73 goals.
The England captain finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal to claim the award.
Kane makes history with Ballon d’Or triumph
Kane’s victory ends a 25-year wait for an English winner, with Owen having last claimed the award in 2001. He joins an exclusive group of English recipients that includes Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
The award also represents a significant milestone in Kane’s career after years of establishing himself among Europe’s leading goalscorers.
Speaking on stage, Kane expressed his gratitude to France Football and the voters who selected him.
“Wow, I'm almost speechless,” he said, describing the ceremony in London as especially meaningful.
Kane also reflected on the journey that brought him to the top of the game, pointing to the loan spells and setbacks he experienced before establishing himself at the highest level.
He thanked his family, England, Bayern Munich and former club Tottenham Hotspur, while encouraging young players to keep pursuing their ambitions.
A record-breaking season for Bayern and England
Kane’s goalscoring record was central to his Ballon d’Or campaign.
His 61 goals for Bayern helped the club win two major domestic trophies, while his 73-goal total across club and international football underlined his consistency throughout the season.
The striker also scored six goals for England during the 2026 World Cup, as the national team reached the semi-finals. His contribution across different competitions strengthened his case against a field that included Mbappe and Yamal.
Kane had already received the men’s Striker of the Year award earlier in the ceremony, adding another individual honour to an exceptional campaign.
Mbappe and Yamal finish behind Kane
Mbappe and Yamal were among Kane’s leading challengers for the award. Mbappe enjoyed another prolific season for Real Madrid, while Yamal continued to establish himself as one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players.
Both were considered serious contenders ahead of the ceremony, which had already attracted attention after articles prematurely naming different players as the winner appeared on the Ballon d’Or website.
The posts caused confusion in the hours before the official announcement, but Kane ultimately emerged as the winner.
Tuchel and Prince William congratulate Kane
England head coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane on receiving the award, describing the recognition as deserved and praising his performances and leadership.
Tuchel also highlighted the significance of Kane becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to win the honour.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales and patron of the Football Association, also congratulated the striker in a message shared on Instagram.
He praised Kane’s achievements as a captain and player, recognising the memorable moments he has provided football supporters.
Kane’s triumph marks a defining moment in his career and restores an English name to the Ballon d’Or winners’ list for the first time since Owen’s victory at the start of the century.
SportsLigue
