Harry Kane won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or after an outstanding 2025–26 season with Bayern Munich and England. The prize was awarded on 26 October 2026 at the London Palladium as it was the first time the ceremony was held in London instead of Paris.
The England captain finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. Kane became the first Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane’s fantastic scoring record and contribution to Bayern Munich’s success as well as performances for England during the season are recognised with this award.
Kane’s Remarkable 2025–26 Season
Kane scored 73 goals in 65 games for club and country in 2025-26. 61 goals came in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, while he scored 12 goals for England.
His skill in front of goal made him one of the most influential players in European football. He also scored 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League and helped Bayern reach the semi-finals.
Kane finished the Bundesliga as the Bundesliga’s leading scorer for the third consecutive season. What he showed was that he could combine individual scoring records with a contribution to a team that was winning.
HARRY KANE IS THE 2026 BALLON D'OR! #ballondor https://t.co/k3CUlwLF1E
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026
Bayern Munich Trophies Strengthen His Case
Kane helped Bayern Munich retain the Bundesliga title and win the DFB-Pokal, Germany’s domestic cup competition. The club also won the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup during the campaign.
Such accomplishments helped his Ballon d’Or case, with voters taking into account individual performances and team success and sportsmanship.
Kane also won the Gerd Müller Trophy as men’s Striker of the Year. This was another big achievement of his goals during the season.
Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 10 Player Rankings
The final men’s Ballon d’Or rankings placed several leading international stars behind Kane.
- Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich) — Winner
- Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
- Rodri (Spain, Manchester City/Barcelona)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
- Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
- Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)
- Fabián Ruiz (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain)
Mbappé was second after another productive season and Yamal took third place and won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year. Rodri and Messi finished fifth.
THE 2026 RANKING FOR THE MEN'S BALLON D'OR IS OUT! #ballondor https://t.co/LYfoOUJf5j
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026
Other Winners at the 2026 Ceremony
Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or, while Unai Simón and Cata Coll were awarded the men's and women's goalkeeper awards, respectively.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente won the men’s Coach of the Year and Barcelona coach Pere Romeu was awarded women’s coaching honours. Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year and Barcelona won the women’s club award.
England winger Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work and social initiatives.
What Kane’s Victory Means
Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory was the biggest achievement of his career. Long known for his finishing ability, he now has one of football’s greatest individual prizes to add to his collection.
His 73-goal season, major domestic trophies and role in England’s campaign made him a standout performer. The result also ends a 25-year wait for an English winner and puts Kane among the top players in the history of the award.
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