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England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, claiming football’s most prestigious individual award at a ceremony in London on Monday.
Kane earned the honour after an outstanding 2025/2026 campaign, with his prolific goalscoring performances for Bayern Munich strengthening his position among the world’s leading footballers.
The ceremony took place at the London Palladium, bringing together leading figures from football to celebrate achievements across the men’s and women’s games.
The victory marks a major milestone in Kane’s career, making him the fifth English player to win the men’s award. Previous English winners include Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen, who last claimed the honour in 2001.
Alexia Putellas Wins Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, adding another major individual honour to her decorated career.
Putellas received the award following an impressive 2025/2026 season with Barcelona, where she helped the Spanish club achieve significant success before moving to English Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July.
Her latest triumph further strengthens her standing among the leading players in women’s football.
Yamal, Vicky Lopez Win Young Talent Awards
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, continuing his remarkable rise in European football.
Spain international Vicky Lopez claimed the corresponding women’s award, adding to Barcelona’s strong representation among the night’s winners.
The awards recognise young players whose performances have distinguished them among their peers.
Coaches And Goalkeepers Receive Honours
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year honour.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
The awards recognised the contributions of coaches and goalkeepers to their teams during the 2025/2026 campaign.
Barcelona, PSG Named Clubs Of The Year
Barcelona Femení won the Women’s Club of the Year award, while Paris Saint-Germain claimed the Men’s Club of the Year honour.
The awards recognised the achievements of both clubs in their respective competitions.
PSG’s victory continued the French club’s recent success on the European stage, while Barcelona’s women’s team received recognition for its performances throughout the season.
Bukayo Saka Receives Socrates Award
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need.
Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy presented the award during the ceremony. The singer also spoke about his efforts to support football development in Nigeria through his football academy.
The Socrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and improve lives in their communities.
Kane, Charlyn Corral Win Gerd Müller Trophy
Kane also won the Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy, which recognises outstanding goalscoring achievements, completing a notable double at the ceremony.
Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy for her goalscoring performances.
The awards formed part of the wider Ballon d’Or ceremony, which celebrates excellence in individual performances, coaching, goalkeeping, club achievements and humanitarian contributions.
Kane’s triumph headlines this year’s awards, marking a defining moment in the England captain’s career and ending a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or.
