Harry Kane Crowned 2026 Ballon d'Or Winner

Harry Kane has been named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner, claiming football's most prestigious individual prize at the ceremony in London on October 26. The Bayern Munich striker, who captained England, was the favourite going into the night after a season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for his club.

Kane becomes the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. He beat strong challenges from Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, both of whom had been widely tipped as contenders in the build-up to the vote.

The night was not limited to the men's prize. Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d'Or Féminin, and Yamal took the Kopa Trophy for the best young men's player, his third consecutive win in that category. Coverage of the ceremony also noted a brief mix-up in which some listings named several players as winners before the official result was confirmed.