Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or after record season
England striker Harry Kane was awarded the 2026 Ballon d’Or following a season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country, while Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s award for the third time.
Harry Kane received the 2026 Ballon d’Or in London on Oct. 26, becoming the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich forward scored 61 goals in 51 matches for the German club during the 2025-26 season, helping Bayern secure a domestic league and cup double, and added six goals as England reached the World Cup semi-finals.
Kane thanked the voters after taking the stage, saying, "I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Thank you to everyone who voted for me."
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third time after a treble-winning campaign with Barcelona and a move to the London City Lionesses.
Other award winners included Spain’s Luis de la Fuente as men’s coach of the year, Barcelona’s Pere Romeu as women’s coach, Unai Simón and Cata Coll as goalkeepers, Paris Saint-Germain as men’s club of the year and Barcelona as women’s club of the year, and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka receiving the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.