Harry Kane secured the 2026 Ballon d’Or at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday, becoming the first English player in 25 years to win football’s most prestigious individual award. The Bayern Munich striker claimed the prize after a 73-goal season, defeating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in a worldwide vote by 100 journalists.
The 70th annual ceremony brought the football world to London, England, for the first time on Monday, October 26, 2026. After a tense wait and a brief online confusion caused by premature publication on the award’s official website, the 33-year-old England captain stepped onto the stage to massive cheers and chants of his name inside the London Palladium.
ALEXIA PUTELLAS! SHE DID IT! She is our 2026 Ballon d'Or winner!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/hctM4DvwuB
Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé in second and Barcelona attacker Lamine Yamal in third. His victory marks the first time an Englishman has lifted the trophy since Michael Owen won it in 2001.
Goalscoring Records That Defined Harry Kane’s Season
The award recognizes a historic individual campaign across club and international football. Kane netted 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich last season—the most any player has ever scored for the German club in a single campaign. Across all competitions, including his appearances for the Three Lions during their run to the World Cup semifinals, his total reached 73 goals and eight assists in 65 matches.
The achievement also breaks a long drought for German club football. Not since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won in 1980 and 1981 has a player representing Bayern Munich claimed the Ballon d’Or.
Alexia Putellas Claims Third Women’s Ballon d’Or in London
The women’s prize saw historic representation for the Women’s Super League. Spain and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third time in her career, having previously lifted the trophy in 2021 and 2022.
Following a quadruple-winning season with FC Barcelona Femení, Putellas joined compatriot Aitana Bonmatí as a three-time winner of the award. Her recent transfer to the London City Lionesses also makes her the first player from a WSL club to claim the honor.
An Emotional Acceptance Speech at the London Palladium
Visible emotion marked Kane’s acceptance speech as he reflected on a career that involved early loan spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich, and Leicester City before breaking through at Tottenham Hotspur.
Not many people would have thought it, and maybe even I wouldn’t have thought I’d be this far. I had to go through many ups and downs, especially early in my career. I was never the person that people thought was going to be the superstar like some of the guys now.
Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England striker
He also used the moment to thank his family, singling out his wife Kate for her sacrifices throughout his career.
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.
Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England striker
How the Rest of the Top Ten Fined Down in 2026
Organized by France Football and determined by a jury of 100 international journalists representing the top FIFA-ranked nations, the voting placed several prominent stars behind the top three.
| Rank | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid |
| 3 | Rodri | Barcelona (previously Manchester City) |
| 4 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| 5 | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Paris Saint-Germain |
Additional category winners included Lamine Yamal, who collected the award after starring for Barcelona in LaLiga.
Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or résumé speaks for itself 🏴✨ pic.twitter.com/SIiUtYoPFl
More on Harry Kane
BREAKING: Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to win football's most prestigious individual trophy in 25 yearsSky's @RobHarris reflects on Kane's achievements https://t.co/3cZwj3tEsA📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/iYA6KnST8A
Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ⬇️@HKane@FCBayern@England#ballondor pic.twitter.com/gBPwTpQCHf
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