England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or

England captain Harry Kane won the men's Ballon d'Or for the first time on Monday, becoming the first English player to receive the prestigious football award since 2001.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was honored at a ceremony at the London Palladium after scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country last season.

The Ballon d'Or, awarded by French magazine France Football, is one of football's most prestigious individual honors, recognizing the world's best players.

The last English player to win the award was former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who claimed the prize 25 years ago.

Why did Harry Kane win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Kane's remarkable goalscoring record helped Bayern Munich secure a German league and cup double last season.

The former Tottenham Hotspur forward also led England to the World Cup semifinals, the country's best finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

Harry Kane also received the Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the season's top goalscorer, after netting 73 goals for Bayern Munich and EnglandImage: Matthew Childs/Action Images/REUTERS

Kane has finished as the Bundesliga's leading scorer for three consecutive seasons. He was also Europe's top club goalscorer during the 2025-26 campaign.

At Monday's ceremony, Kane thanked his Bayern Munich teammates for their support.

"Without you guys (his Bayern Munich team-mates) and the rest of the team it wouldn't be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much," he said.

Kane also paid tribute to his former club Tottenham Hotspur, which he joined at the age of 11, as well as his England teammates and family.

"To my wife Kate, my best friend. We've been through ups and downs. You are my biggest support and I felt like you wanted this more than me," he said.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was among Harry Kane's strongest rivals for the Ballon d'Or, alongside Kylian MbappeImage: Kin Cheung/AP Photo/dpa/picture alliance

Reflecting on his career, Kane encouraged young footballers to pursue their ambitions despite setbacks.

"I hope my journey, it wasn't straightforward, I didn't go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration."

Kane faced strong competition from Barcelona's Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's French forward Kylian Mbappe.

He joins Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen among the English players to have won the award.

Who else won at the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards?

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time in her career, having previously won the award in 2021 and 2022.

The 32-year-old was recognized after a successful season with Barcelona, winning the treble and scoring 21 goals across all competitions.

Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time in her careerImage: Kin Cheung/AP Photo/picture alliance

Putellas also played a key role in Barcelona's Champions League triumph, contributing seven goals and seven assists during the campaign.

She joined English club London City Lionesses in July after spending 14 years at Barcelona.

Her victory ended a run of three consecutive Ballon d'Or wins by fellow Spaniard Aitana Bonmatí.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young male player for the third consecutive year, while his teammate Vicky Lopez claimed the women's award for the second year running.

Barcelona coach Pere Romeu was named women's coach of the year, while Spain manager Luis de la Fuente won the men's coaching award.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente beat Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Aston Villa's Unai Emery to win the men's Coach of the Year awardImage: Franck Fife/AFP

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon received the men's Yashin Trophy, with Cata Coll winning the women's equivalent.

Barcelona was named women's club of the year, while Paris Saint-Germain took the men's award.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your preferred Source on Google, so you'll always see our verified news first.