Harry Kane claims men’s Ballon d’Or in London ceremony
Harry Kane won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in London, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award in 25 years. He finished ahead of…
LONDON — Harry Kane claims men’s Ballon d’Or after a season that brought him a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich and an England World Cup semi-final, ending the country’s 25-year wait for a men’s winner. The England captain received football’s top individual award at the Palladium Theatre in London, finishing ahead of co-favourites Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
The result adds a major individual honour to Kane’s season, while making him the first Englishman to win the men’s award in 25 years. He scored 89 goals for club and country since the start of August 2025, according to The Guardian.
Harry Kane claims men’s award after prolific season
Kane’s name came from the final envelope about two hours into the ceremony, The Guardian reported. The trophy is awarded through votes from journalists and administrators, according to the newspaper.
“It was really tough this year, the incredible players I was up against,” Kane said as he accepted the award. He also told the audience: “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special.”
The Guardian said Kane won the European Golden Boot and played a major role in Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title. He also captained England to a World Cup semi-final. His all-round game, creativity, intelligence and professionalism at Bayern were part of the recognition surrounding his campaign, the paper reported.
That record has consequences beyond the trophy itself. The Guardian noted the award could bring a substantial increase in Kane’s current and future commercial earnings, while marking a new career milestone for a player whose professional journey included loan spells at Leyton Orient and Millwall before reaching the Premier League and Bayern Munich.
Putellas wins women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas of London City Lionesses won the women’s Ballon d’Or, her third award. The Guardian reported that she received it five years after her first, which she won while playing for Barcelona.
Kane’s win also places him among a small group of English recipients. The BBC reported that he is the fifth Englishman to claim the award. The previous English winner was Michael Owen in 2001, while the prize’s first recipient was Stanley Matthews in 1956.
Earlier this month, Kane equalled England’s all-time caps record and moved his international goal tally to 91 in 125 appearances, The Guardian reported. The newspaper said the 33-year-old still has a home European Championship two years from now in his sights as England captain.
He scored 89 goals for club and country since the start of August 2025.
Source: theguardian.com
