Harry Kane ended England’s 25-year wait for a men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, October 26, 2026, becoming the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001 after a remarkable 73-goal season for Bayern Munich and his country.
The England captain received the award at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium, beating Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé to football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Kane is only the fifth Englishman to win it, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
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| Bukayo Saka receives his award from Burna Boy |
Kane’s triumph was the headline moment of a ceremony filled with success for English football. Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka won the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work and social initiatives, including his support for children’s medical charity BigShoe.
Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time, reclaiming the trophy from fellow Barcelona great Aitana Bonmatí after leading Barcelona to four trophies.
Kane delivered a heartfelt speech dedicated to his family, recalling how he and his brother Charlie once kicked a ball around the garden as football-mad children.
“Mum and dad - what a moment,” Kane said. “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.”
He also sent a message home to his children: “My kids back home watching - it is past your bedtime! You’re the reason I do this. This one is a special one. I can’t wait to see you and celebrate with you.”
Kane praised his wife Kate as his “best friend” and “biggest supporter,” saying her sacrifices had helped make his dream possible.
Full list of winners:
*Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
*Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
*Men’s Young Player Lamine Yamal
*Women’s Young Player: Vicky López
*Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente
*Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu
*Men’s Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
*Women’s Goalkeeper: Cata Coll
*Striker of the Year: Harry Kane and Charlyn Corral
*Socrates Award: Bukayo Saka
*Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
*Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
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