Harry Kane has made history by winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Alexia Putellas Claims Third Women’s Ballon d’Or Title
The Bayern Munich and England striker received the honour at a glittering ceremony held at the London Palladium. Kane’s consistent excellence at club and international level earned him the top prize ahead of a star-studded field.
In the women’s category, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas secured her third Ballon d’Or after previous victories in 2021 and 2022. Her continued dominance in women’s football was recognised once again, solidifying her status as one of the greatest players of her generation. The dual celebrations of Kane and Putellas made the 2026 edition a memorable night for the sport.
Full List of 2026 Ballon d’Or Winners Revealed
The men’s top three finished as Harry Kane in first place, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Other major awards included the Young Player prize shared by Lamine Yamal and Vicky López, Best Goalkeeper for Unai Simón and Cata Coll, and Top Striker for Harry Kane and Charlyn Corral. Coach of the Year went to Luis de la Fuente and Pere Romeu, while Club of the Year honours were awarded to PSG and FC Barcelona. England’s Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award.
What Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or Win Means for English Football
Kane’s triumph ends a 25-year wait for an English winner of the Ballon d’Or and has been widely celebrated by fans across the country. The award recognises not only his goal-scoring record but also his leadership and longevity at the highest level. As the football world digests the results, many are already looking ahead to how this historic achievement will inspire the next generation of players.
For more football news, read our report on Antoine Semenyo’s performances and Black Stars updates.
