Harry Kane Wins Ballon d’Or, Ends England’s 25-Year Wait
England captain Harry Kane has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to receive football’s most prestigious individual honour.
The Bayern Munich striker received the award at the 70th edition of the ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, following an outstanding season for club and country.
Kane, 33, finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after recording an impressive 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England during the 2025/2026 season.
His remarkable scoring record helped Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga title and the German Cup, while his performances for England contributed to the national team’s third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The award makes Kane the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Stanley Matthews in 1956, Bobby Charlton in 1966, Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979, and Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane also won the Gerd Müller Trophy, which recognises the season’s outstanding goalscorer, after finding the net 61 times for Bayern Munich in 51 competitive appearances.
Reacting to the achievement, the England captain described the season as the best of his career, expressing gratitude to his teammates, coaches and everyone who contributed to his success.
He acknowledged the support of his Bayern Munich colleagues and England teammates, stressing that his individual achievements were the product of collective effort.
Kane’s triumph represents a significant milestone in his career and ends England’s 25-year wait for another winner of the prestigious award.
The ceremony also recognised other outstanding performers in world football, with Spain’s Alexia Putellas winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, while England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work and social initiatives.
