Harry Kane Wins Ballon d’Or, Ends England’s 25-Year Wait for Football’s Top Honour
Harry Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the prestigious individual award at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday.
The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was rewarded for an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country. He also claimed the European Golden Shoe after finishing as the leading goalscorer across Europe’s domestic leagues.
Kane became the fifth English player to win the Ballon d’Or, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. His victory marked a significant milestone for English football, ending a wait of 25 years for the sport’s most coveted individual honour.
Kane Admits to Nervousness Ahead of the Ceremony
Despite being among the leading contenders, Kane admitted that waiting for the result was an unusual experience for a player accustomed to influencing the outcome of matches.
“I’m a little nervous, I’m not going to lie. It’s different to playing a big match because it’s out of my control,” Kane said before the ceremony.
Reflecting on his season, the England captain described it as the best of his career. He won three trophies with Bayern Munich and came close to reaching the Champions League final, while England finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It was my best season for sure. I won three trophies with Bayern Munich. Close to reaching the final of the Champions League and semi-final of the World Cup,” he said.
“If I had won those two things, it would have been guaranteed for sure.”
Kane added that he was proud of his achievements and wanted to enjoy the special occasion with his family and friends, regardless of the final outcome.
Kane Delivers Emotional Ballon d’Or Acceptance Speech
Kane appeared almost speechless when he collected the award, relying on notes he had prepared for his acceptance speech.
“I’m almost speechless. Luckily, I have this list here. Thank you to France Football, to the Ballon d’Or for putting on this amazing event. Being here in London has made it extra special,” he said.
The striker thanked everyone who voted for him, acknowledging the quality of the players he had competed against.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was really tough this year, with some of the incredible players I was up against, some of my teammates and some world-class players in the room tonight,” Kane added.
He credited his Bayern Munich teammates for pushing him to improve and helping him achieve individual success.
“Without you guys and the rest of the team, it wouldn’t be possible. The way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much,” he said.
Kane also sent his best wishes to Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, who was recovering after collapsing during training.
“To Vinny [Vincent Kompany], I know he is at home or still in the hospital. Wishing you well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy,” Kane said.
Praising the club’s coaching staff, he said his time at Bayern had helped him develop as a player, leader and individual.
“Since I have been with you, I have improved as a player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. It is an honour to play for Bayern Munich. To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich,” he added.
Kane also expressed gratitude to his wife, Kate, for supporting him throughout his career.
“My wife Kate, we’re in this together. I know this wouldn’t be possible without you,” he said.
Kane’s Record-Breaking 2025-26 Campaign
Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph followed a prolific season in which his goals helped Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.
He scored 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern during the campaign and netted 14 times in the Champions League, where the German club’s run ended in the semi-finals against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Kane also made a significant contribution at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring six goals as England finished third. His tournament tally took his career total to 14 World Cup goals, moving him past Gary Lineker to become England’s leading men’s goalscorer in the competition’s history.
In addition to the Ballon d’Or, Kane won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, further underlining his influence during the season.
His journey to football’s summit included several loan spells and years of chasing major trophies before he joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
Kane also acknowledged the contribution of Russell Slade, who managed him during his loan spell at Leyton Orient from Tottenham in 2011.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, reclaiming the award after Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati won it in 2023 and 2024.
The 32-year-old midfielder was recognised for her performances during the 2025-26 season, in which she scored 20 goals in 43 appearances for Barcelona. She captained the club to four trophies, including Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League.
Putellas, who previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, thanked France Football, her teammates and the voters.
“Thank you very much. It is a pleasure to be here, again. Thank you, France Football,” she said.
Acknowledging the quality of the nominees, she added: “Anyone here could have fairly won this trophy and be giving this speech here right now. It is a great pleasure to play alongside each and every single one of you.”
She also reflected on the challenges Barcelona overcame throughout the season, including injuries and difficult moments.
- Ballon d’Or 2026: Complete List of Winners
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain; now London City Lionesses)
- Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky Lopez (Barcelona, Spain)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simon (Athletic Club, Spain)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona, Spain)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona, Spain)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona (Spain)
- Men’s Striker of the Year: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca, Mexico)
- Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)
Barcelona and Spain enjoyed further recognition, with Yamal winning the men’s young talent award and Lopez claiming the women’s equivalent. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu received the women’s award.
Paris Saint-Germain took home the Men’s Club of the Year honour, while Barcelona won the women’s category.
Kane’s victory capped a remarkable campaign and brought an end to England’s long wait for another men’s Ballon d’Or winner, placing the Bayern Munich striker alongside some of the country’s most celebrated footballing names.
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