Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d'Or After Record-Breaking Season

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or, ending a long wait for football's top individual prize. The Bayern Munich and England striker received the award at a ceremony in London on Monday, following a season in which he broke scoring records.

Kane is the first Englishman to take the trophy in 25 years. Michael Owen was the last to do so, in 2001.

"Wow, wow, wow!" Kane said after taking the stage. "I am almost speechless. Being here in London makes it extra special. It feels like a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year." He also praised the other players present, saying there were "some world-class players in the room tonight" and congratulating all the winners and nominees.

Kane joined Bayern in 2023, and the move brought the trophies that had long eluded him. In 2025-26 he paired that success with scoring numbers that made him the leading candidate for the award. The England captain netted 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern in all competitions, as the German club won a domestic league and cup double. He finished the season as Europe's leading goalscorer.

His impact extended to the international stage. At the World Cup, Kane scored six goals and led England to the semi-finals, once again acting as the team's driving force. Across club and country, he ended the campaign with 73 goals, a total rarely seen in the modern era, and many of them came in decisive moments.

The award caps an unusual career path. Kane struggled to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster and was sent out on several loans. He went on to become one of the most complete center forwards of his generation, able to score every type of goal and also to create chances for teammates as a playmaker.

Competition for this year's prize was intense. Kylian Mbappe broke World Cup scoring records, and Lamine Yamal helped Spain win the World Cup. Voters nonetheless chose Kane, whose level held for the entire season, with no prolonged slumps and few quiet nights.

At 33, Kane adds the Ballon d'Or to a résumé that already includes being England's all-time leading scorer and their record World Cup scorer.

In the women's category, Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the third time. She was honored after winning the treble with Barcelona in 2025-26, along with the Spanish Super Cup. In July, Putellas left Barcelona after 14 years to join Women's Super League side London City Lionesses.