Harry Kane Claims 2026 Ballon d'Or After Record Scoring Season
The England captain becomes the first player from his nation to win the award since 2001, following a campaign that included 73 total goals.
By Samir Doyle ·
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or on Monday night, ending a long wait for football's most prestigious individual prize. The honor recognizes the best player in the world and caps a season in which the striker set new benchmarks for scoring.
Kane is the first Englishman to take home the trophy in 25 years. Michael Owen, who won the award in 2001, was the last player from England to claim the title.
The award followed a campaign in which Kane scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich. Those efforts helped the German club secure a domestic league and cup double. He added 12 more goals for England during the 2026 World Cup, bringing his total for club and country to 73.
At 33, Kane entered the tournament as a veteran but led England to the semi-finals. His six goals in the competition helped the team reach the last four. Voters placed him above Kylian Mbappe, who broke World Cup scoring records, and Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain win the World Cup.
Kane took the stage in London to receive the award. He described the moment as a good omen and thanked the voters. He acknowledged the strength of the other nominees and praised their determination.
Kane joined Bayern Munich in 2023. His arrival coincided with a period of major success for the club. Before that move, he struggled to find consistent starting spots at Tottenham Hotspur and went on several loans.
His path to the award reflects a career defined by consistency rather than just flair. He finished as Europe's leading goalscorer for the season. His ability to score from various positions and create plays for teammates set him apart from other forwards.
The competition for the 2026 award was tight. Mbappe and Yamal both had standout performances at the World Cup. However, Kane's production across the entire 2025-26 season, including club and international duty, gave him the edge in the voting.
Alexia Putellas also won the Ballon d'Or Féminin on Monday. The Spain midfielder claimed the award for the third time. She won the treble with Barcelona in the 2025-26 season, which included the league, cup, and Champions League. She also helped Barcelona win the Spanish Super Cup.
Putellas moved to London City Lionesses in July after spending 14 years at Barcelona. She joined the Women's Super League side following the conclusion of her long tenure with the Spanish club.
