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Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane claimed the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or award in London after an outstanding year in which he scored 73 goals for club and country, becoming the first English player to win football’s most prestigious individual honour since Michael Owen achieved the feat in 2001.
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The former Tottenham Hotspur captain also ended Bayern Munich’s 45-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first player from the German giants to claim the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won it in 1981, while also taking home the Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy in recognition of his exceptional goal-scoring exploits.
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Spain and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career, adding the 2026 honour to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022, while Barcelona Femení’s success was further reflected in the club’s recognition as Women’s Club of the Year.
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Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s equivalent and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award; PSG were named Men’s Club of the Year, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente won Men’s Coach of the Year, and Bayern Munich’s Kane completed his memorable night with a second major individual honour.
October 27, (THEWILL) – Bayern Munich and England striker, Harry Kane, has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, becoming the first English player to win the award since 2001 at a ceremony in London on Monday.
Kane, who enjoyed a remarkable year with 73 goals for club and country, ended England’s 25-year wait for the prestigious award after Michael Owen won it in 2001.
He is also the first Bayern Munich player to win the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won the award in 1981.
The 33-year also won the best striker of the year award following his impressive goal-scoring performances in the year under review.
The likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembéle, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, Fabián Ruiz, Rodri were unveiled as the top 10 nominees.
The organisers also announced the players that finished from the 11th position to the 30th position.
Jude Bellingham finished in the 11th position, Pau Cubarsi in 12th, Achraf Hakimi 13th, Vitinha 14th, Declan Rice 15th, Ferran Torres 16th, Vinicius Junior 17th, Marc Cucurella 18th, João Neves 19th, Willian Pacho 20th.
Arsenal’s Gabriel finished in the 21st position, Lautaro Martinez 22nd, Nuno Mendez 23rd, Luis Diaz 24th, Marquinhos 25th, Dayot Upamecano 26th, Bruno Fernandes 27th, Julian Quinones 28th, William Saliba 29th, Saido Mane 29th.
William Saliba and Saido Mane both shared the 29th position because they are tied on the same points.
The former Tottenham captain was delighted to win the award, while expressing appreciation to his family, teammates, coaches and fans.
Kane said: “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special.
“Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.
“Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve.”
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Kane reserved special praises for his family.
He added: “Thank you very much. I know how much support you give me. We all live these emotions together. I know how much help off the pitch, it allows me to perform and do my best on the pitch.
“My brother Charlie, doesn’t seem like long ago we were kicking a ball around the garden. Taking football, just football mad. I know you say you gave me your footballing ability, so thank you for that.
“Mum and dad – what a moment. All those years, the sacrifice, the support you gave me. Taking me to training, coming to watch me play. No matter where it was, even to this day you’re there.”All those traits you have given me have allowed me to be successful and be here tonight.”
Spain’s Alexis Puttelas won the women’s category of the Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career following triumph in 2021 and 2022.
Full Winners At 2026 Ballon d’Or
Men’s Ballon d’Or – Harry Kane
Women’s Ballon d’Or – Alexia Putellas
Men’s Young Talent of the Year – Lamine Yamal
Women’s Young Talent of the Year – Vicky Lopez
Women’s Coach of the Year – Pere Romeu
Men’s Coach of the Year – Luis de la Fuente
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year – Cata Coll
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year – Unai Simon
Women’s Club of the Year – FC Barcelona Femení
Men’s Club of the Year – PSG
Sócrates Award – Bukayo Saka
Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy – Harry Kane
Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy – Charlyn Corral
