Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane ends England’s 25-year wait beating Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal; Alexia Putellas claims record-equalling third

Harry Kane has finally won this title! The England striker was crowned the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Englishman to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour since Michael Owen in 2001, in a glittering ceremony at the London Palladium. On the same night, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas secured her third women’s Ballon d’Or. By doing so, she equalled the record held by her compatriot Aitana Bonmati at the memorable night at the host city.

The Bayern Munich star prevailed in a competitive field after a sensational 2025-26 season. The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 club appearances for his club, helping the German giants secure a domestic double of the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. Including international matches, his total rose to 73 goals in 65 games. The English player finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in second place and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal in third.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane ends England’s 25-year wait beating Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal; Alexia Putellas claims record-equalling third

The victory marked a historic milestone as Kane joins an exclusive list of English winners, namely, Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), Michael Owen (2001), and now himself. It is also the first time a Bayern Munich player has won the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981. Kane’s consistent excellence, even without a Champions League or World Cup title last season as Bayern reached the Champions League semi-finals and England the World Cup last four, ultimately convinced the panel of international journalists.

Accepting the golden ball, an emotional Kane delivered a heartfelt speech. He said:

“Wow, wow, wow. I’m almost speechless.”

The Bayern Munich striker added:

“Being here in London has made it extra special. It looked like a good omen for me tonight.”

Kane then went on to thank his voters, teammates, coaches past and present, including Tottenham, Bayern and England’s Thomas Tuchel, his family, and the fans. Kane also offered inspiration to young players, reflecting on his own non-linear path to the top.

Alexia Putellas claims record-equalling third Women’s Ballon d’Or

Earlier in the evening, Putellas claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time. The Spain international, who recently joined Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses after 14 years at Barcelona, was recognised primarily for her outstanding final season with the Catalan club. She captained Barcelona to a historic quadruple, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and contributed significantly with goals and assists.

Putellas finished ahead of Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor in second and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw in third. Her victory continues Spanish dominance of the women’s award. The past six winners have been either Putellas (2021, 2022 and 2026) or Bonmati (2023-2025). Putellas’ comeback after a serious ACL injury in 2022 has been widely praised, and becoming the first winner representing a WSL club added another landmark. She thanked her former Barcelona teammates and staff for overcoming challenges during their triumphant campaign.

Ballon d’Or night dominated by Spanish stars

The night belonged largely to Spain beyond the top prizes. Lamine Yamal won the men’s young player (Kopa Trophy) award for a third consecutive year, while Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s title. Unai Simon and Cata Coll were named best goalkeepers, Luis de la Fuente and Pere Romeu took the coaching awards, and Barcelona were named women’s Club of the Year. Paris Saint-Germain received the men’s Club of the Year honour.

Meanwhile, apart from claiming the men’s Ballon d’Or title, Kane also claimed the men’s Striker of the Year (Gerd Muller Trophy), while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work. The choice of London as host city added resonance. Kane, a lifelong Tottenham supporter who spent the bulk of his career in north London before moving to Bavaria in 2023, and Putellas, now based in the English capital, both lifted their trophies on home soil. The dual success provided a rare moment of celebration for English and Spanish football on the same stage.

Kane’s achievement ends a long drought for English players in the men’s award and underscores the value of sustained excellence over a full season rather than single tournament success. For Putellas, the third Ballon d’Or cements her status among the all-time greats of the women’s game and highlights her resilience after injury setbacks. As the football world keeps up with the results, attention will turn to the new season. Kane continues to lead the line for Bayern and England, while Putellas begins a new chapter in the WSL. Both have written their names firmly into Ballon d’Or history on a memorable night in London.

Ballon d’Or Men’s ranking

10. Fabián Ruiz

9. Michael Olise

8. Erling Haaland

7. Ousmane Dembélé

6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

5. Lionel Messi

4. Rodri Hernández

3. Lamine Yamal

2. Kylian Mbappe

1. Harry Kane

Ballon d’Or Women’s ranking

10. Temwa Chaŵinga

9. Alessia Russo

8. Claudia Pina

7. Pernille Harder

6. Caroline Graham Hansen

5. Patri Guijarro

4. Melchie Dumornay

3. Khadija Shaw

2. Ewa Pajor

1. Alexia Putellas

ALSO READ: Why did Portugal FA suspend Cristiano Ronaldo? Here is what coach and FPF president revealed about his return