-
Harry Kane became the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the prestigious award after scoring 73 goals for club and country.
-
England coach Thomas Tuchel, Prince William and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher were among the high-profile figures who congratulated Kane on his historic achievement.
-
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal became the first player to win the Ballon d’Or Young Player of the Year award for three successive years after another impressive campaign.
-
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed her third Women’s Player of the Year honour, having previously won it in 2021 and 2022, while Spanish players collected seven individual awards at the ceremony.
October 27, (THEWILL) – Reactions have continued to trail Harry Kane’s triumph at the 2026 Ballon d’Or Awards Ceremony on Monday as the Bayern Munich striker won the prestigious award ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
Kane became the first English player to win the award in 25 years following his remarkable performances for club and country in the period under review.
Spain were the biggest winners at the ceremony with their players, going home with seven individual awards, while Barcelona Femeni won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Spanish teams won four major trophies across their national teams in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship, and the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Kane was rewarded for his scintillating performance, scoring 73 goals for his country.
The football world stood still to congratulate Harry Kane for winning the prestigious award.
England coach, Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for his captain.
He said: “I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.
“To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.
“I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.”
Prince William congratulated Kane on Instagram describing him as a brilliant captain.
He wrote: “What a fantastic achievement and so deserved.
“A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments.”
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher also sent his congratulatory message to Harry Kane.
He wrote: “Absolutely delighted. What a career he’s had, what a player he is, and as a country, we haven’t got enough Ballon d’Or winners.
“My former teammate Michael Owen was the last to win it in 2001, so it’s been a long wait.
“But in terms of Harry Kane, and I think Jude Bellingham, who’s going to be a future Ballon d’Or winner, we do have two of the greatest players of their era. I’m delighted for Kane and the country.”
READ ALSO:
Kane became the fifth player to win both the Ballon d’Or and European Golden Shoe in the same season after Lionel Messi (3), Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Ronaldo and Gerd Müller.
Similarly, Tottenham also congratulated their former captain on social media.
The club wrote on X: A legacy built in the Spurs academy. Forever one of our own. Congratulations Harry.”
Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal also became the first player to win the young player of the year award for the third consecutive year.
Similarly, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas won her third Women’s Player of the Year award after winning it in 2021 and 2022.
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Top-10 ranking
Harry Kane, Bayern Munich
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
Rodri, Barcelona (previously Manchester City)
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Paris Saint-Germain
Ousmane Dembélé, Paris Saint-Germain
Erling Haaland, Manchester City
Michael Olise, Bayern Munich
Fabián Ruiz, Paris Saint-Germain
