Harry Kane has finally ended England’s 25-year wait for the men’s Ballon d’Or. He won this important individual award at a ceremony in London on Monday.
The Bayern Munich striker is the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen in 2001. Kane took the title ahead of strong nominees like France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal.
The 2026 ceremony, organised by France Football, highlighted great individual and team performances in men’s and women’s football. This award is a big deal for Kane, who has shown he is one of Europe’s top forwards with his goalscoring and play for both club and country.
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas from Spain and Barcelona won the Ballon d’Or for the third time. This ties her with her former teammate Aitana Bonmatí for the record.
Putellas was honoured for an amazing 2025-26 season. She led Barcelona to four major trophies: the Spanish Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League. She also played a big role in helping Spain win the Nations League.
After getting the award, Putellas thanked her teammates and recognised the talent of the other nominees. “I think anyone here could have fairly won this trophy and be giving this speech here right now,” she said.
The ceremony also celebrated new talents, coaches, goalkeepers and clubs that stood out during the season. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the award for the men’s young player, while Vicky López took the women’s award.
Barcelona Femeni and Paris Saint-Germain were named the best women’s and men’s clubs of the year. Spain’s Pere Romeu and Luis de la Fuente won the women’s and men’s coach of the year awards. Goalkeepers Cata Coll and Unai Simon received the awards in their respective categories.
Kane also took home the men’s top scorer award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral won the women’s top scorer award. England’s Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award, which honours humanitarian work and social initiatives.
The ceremony brought together key figures in world football. They came to celebrate individual excellence and achievements in the game.
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