The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place at the Palladium Theatre in London, with England captain Harry Kane claiming the men's award for the first time in his career. Kane registered 73 goals and 8 assists in 65 appearances across club and international football during the 2025-26 season.
Kane's triumph ended England's 25-year wait for a Ballon d'Or winner. The last Englishman to receive the honour was Michael Owen, who won it in 2001.
The Bayern Munich striker secured his third consecutive Bundesliga top-scorer title and was also named the most prolific player in European club football in 2025-26. Since joining Bayern in 2023, Kane has scored 156 goals in 158 matches, placing him seventh on the club's all-time top scorers list. He also received the best striker award at the ceremony.
On the international stage, Kane led England to a bronze medal at the World Cup — the country's best finish since its 1966 title — and finished as the tournament's fifth-highest scorer.
In the women's category, Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the award for the third time in her career at the age of 32. The best women's striker prize went to 35-year-old Mexican forward Charlyn Corral.
