England captain Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim football’s prestigious individual award after beating French forward Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
The Bayern Munich striker received the honour at the ceremony held in London on Monday, 26 October, following a remarkable 2025/26 campaign in which he scored 73 goals for club and country and helped Bayern secure three trophies. His achievement ends England’s wait for another Ballon d’Or winner since former Liverpool striker Michael Owen claimed the award in 2001.
Kane’s goalscoring form proved central to his successful campaign, with the England captain continuing to demonstrate his importance for both Bayern Munich and the national team. His Ballon d’Or triumph was accompanied by another major individual honour, as he also won the Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy for his goalscoring achievements.
Meanwhile, Spain international Alexia Putellas claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or, securing the award for the third time in her career. Her latest triumph adds to the honours she collected in 2021 and 2022, further strengthening her standing among the leading figures in women’s football.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Kopa Trophy, while teammate Vicky López took the women’s equivalent, recognising the best young talents in the men’s and women’s game.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Men’s Yashin Trophy, with Barcelona’s Cata Coll winning the women’s goalkeeper award.
Kane’s successful night continued with the Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy, while Mexico international Charlyn Corral claimed the Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy for her goalscoring exploits.
Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy winner, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching award.
At club level, Paris Saint-Germain were named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives, adding another honour to the list of winners at the ceremony.
Kane’s historic achievement headlines a memorable edition of the Ballon d’Or, with the England captain joining an exclusive group of English winners and ending a quarter-century wait for the country to celebrate another recipient of the men’s prize.
2026 Ballon d’Or winners
| Award | Winner |
|---|
| Men’s Ballon d’Or | Harry Kane |
| Women’s Ballon d’Or | Alexia Putellas |
| Men’s Kopa Trophy | Lamine Yamal |
| Women’s Kopa Trophy | Vicky López |
| Men’s Yashin Trophy | Unai Simón |
| Women’s goalkeeper award | Cata Coll |
| Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy | Harry Kane |
| Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy | Charlyn Corral |
| Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy | Luis de la Fuente |
| Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy | Pere Romeu |
| Men’s Club of the Year | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Women’s Club of the Year | Barcelona |
| Sócrates Award | Bukayo Saka |
Source: UEFA’s published list of the 2026 award winners
