England captain Harry Kane has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2026, becoming the first English footballer to receive the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas secured the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
The awards ceremony took place at the London Palladium on October 26, 2026, celebrating outstanding performances in international football.
Harry Kane Makes Football History
The Bayern Munich striker claimed football’s highest individual honour following an extraordinary 2025-26 season.
Kane scored an impressive 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, helping the German club secure major domestic trophies.
His combined performances for club and country produced 73 goals, highlighting his remarkable consistency throughout the campaign.
The 33-year-old striker also delivered important performances for England during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring six goals as his national team reached the semi-finals.
Kane Celebrates Career-Defining Achievement
Receiving the award in London made the occasion particularly meaningful for Kane, who expressed gratitude to teammates, supporters, and everyone who contributed to his journey.
The achievement represents a major milestone for the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, whose career developed through persistence, loan spells, and years of consistent improvement.
Kane secured the award ahead of prominent contenders, including Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
His success also ended England’s 25-year absence from the men’s Ballon d’Or winners’ list.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas celebrated another historic achievement after claiming her third Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Putellas enjoyed another successful campaign with Barcelona, helping the club collect multiple major trophies during the 2025-26 season.
Following 14 years at Barcelona, she joined London City Lionesses in July 2026.
Her latest recognition further strengthens her standing among women’s football’s most accomplished players.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated two remarkable careers, recognizing Kane’s exceptional goalscoring achievements and Putellas’ continued influence on women’s football.
Both awards highlight the importance of dedication, consistency, and outstanding performances at the highest level
