FOOTBALL | BALLON D'OR 2026: HARRY KANE AT THE PINNACLE OF WORLD FOOTBALL
Bayern Munich's English striker has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or. It is a historic crowning achievement that rewards an exceptional season, marked by 73 goals scored for club and country.
It is now official: Harry Kane is the new Ballon d'Or winner. The Bayern Munich striker was crowned on Monday 26 October 2026 at the 70th ceremony of this prestigious award, held at the London Palladium in London. At 33, the England international has claimed the most coveted individual trophy in world football for the first time.
Nicknamed "Hurricane" by many supporters, Harry Kane enjoyed an exceptional 2025-2026 season. With 73 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich and the England national team, the striker impressed with his clinical finishing in front of goal and his consistency at the very highest level.
A historic triumph for England
This victory ends a 25-year wait for English football. The last English player to win the Ballon d'Or was Michael Owen, who claimed the award in 2001.
Kane thus becomes the fifth Englishman to add his name to the roll of honour, after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen. His triumph also rewards his major role at Bayern Munich, where he helped secure several domestic titles.
Mbappé and Yamal on the podium
Behind Harry Kane, France's Kylian Mbappé finished second, while Spain's young prodigy Lamine Yamal completed the podium.
The rankings confirm the presence of the leading figures in international football. Rodri finished fourth, ahead of Lionel Messi in fifth. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took sixth place, followed by France's Ousmane Dembélé in seventh. Erling Haaland finished eighth, ahead of Michael Olise in ninth and Fabián Ruiz in tenth.
For French football, Kylian Mbappé's second place and Ousmane Dembélé's seventh reflect a renewed strong presence among the world's elite, even though neither player takes home the main trophy this year.
Women's football also in the spotlight
In the women's category, Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time in her career. The ceremony also honoured several other figures in football, including Lamine Yamal, named best young player, and Unai Simón, recognised among the goalkeepers.
Harry Kane has therefore entered football history. After years at the very top level, the English striker has turned a remarkable season into individual glory. For Bayern Munich and England supporters, this Ballon d'Or represents far more than a trophy: it is recognition of a player who has established himself among the greatest.
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