Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or as Putellas claims women's award

Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, capping a remarkable season for Bayern Munich and England. The striker became the first Englishman to receive football's most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001, taking the honour at the ceremony in London on October 26th.

Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in the men's voting after an outstanding campaign in front of goal. He scored 73 times for club and country during the 2025-26 season, helping Bayern secure major domestic honours. The England captain also collected the Gerd Müller Trophy as the year's leading men's striker.

Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time in her career. The Spanish midfielder was recognised after a successful season with Barcelona before moving to London City Lionesses in the summer. Her latest triumph adds to the awards she won in 2021 and 2022.

The ceremony also brought recognition for several other leading figures in the game. Yamal won the men's young talent award for the third consecutive year, while Vicky López claimed the women's prize. Unai Simón and Cata Coll were named the best goalkeepers in the men's and women's categories, respectively, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona women's manager Pere Romeu received the coaching awards. Paris Saint-Germain won the men's club award, Barcelona took the women's honour, and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.