Harry Kane has been named the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, with the Bayern Munich forward and England captain recognised as the world’s best footballer at a London ceremony on Monday night.
Key takeaways
- Kane finished ahead of Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
- The England captain claimed the European Golden Shoe during the award period.
- Bayern Munich won both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal with Kane in their squad.
- Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas received the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Kane’s award-winning season
The 2026 Ballon d’Or was presented to Kane in London, United Kingdom, following a season in which he combined individual scoring success with major domestic trophies for Bayern.
His European Golden Shoe win underlined his prolific campaign in front of goal, while Bayern secured the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. The striker’s performances placed him ahead of a final field that included Yamal, Rodri, Mbappe and Messi.
Women’s award
Putellas won the women’s edition of the Ballon d’Or. The Spanish Barcelona player added the individual honour to her standing as one of the leading figures in women’s football.
