Harry Kane Becomes First English Ballon d'Or Winner in 25 Years

Harry Kane was crowned the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner at a ceremony in London on 27 October 2026, becoming the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001 — a gap of 25 years. Kane beat Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé into second place and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal into third, having delivered an extraordinary season in which he scored 73 goals in total for club and country. He also won the Men's Striker of the Year award on the night. On stage, an emotional Kane — who came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Bayern Munich — said he was "almost speechless" and drew on his journey through loan moves to inspire young players. In a later press conference, he described the win as "beyond my wildest dreams" and credited teammates including Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham for helping make it possible. England manager Thomas Tuchel and Prince William both sent congratulations. Women's honours went to Alexia Putellas, who claimed her third Women's Ballon d'Or. The men's Young Talent award went to Lamine Yamal once again. The ceremony was delayed by 45 minutes to an 8.45pm start due to London traffic, and was preceded by chaos after the official Ballon d'Or website briefly published articles naming all three top finalists as the winner before taking them down.