Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or; Alexia Putellas claims women's prize

Harry Kane was crowned Ballon d'Or winner at the Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre in London on Monday (October 26, 2026), while Spain's Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Feminin.

Kane completed a long-sought personal goal with the award and became the first Englishman to win the trophy in 25 years since Michael Owen in 2001. Putellas received the women's prize for the third time.

Kane's move to Bayern Munich in 2023 preceded team success and a record-breaking individual campaign; in 2025-26 he scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern across all competitions as the German giants completed a domestic league and cup double.

On the international stage during the World Cup, Kane scored six goals and helped England reach the semi-finals. By the end of the season he had amassed 73 goals for club and country and was described in the report as Europe’s leading goalscorer.

The award capped a career that included early challenges at Tottenham Hotspur, where he struggled to establish himself and was sent out on loans, before developing into a centre forward noted for both scoring and playmaking.

After taking the stage, Mr. Kane said: "Wow, wow, wow!" Mr. Kane said after taking the stage. "I am almost ⁠speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. It's a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year. "Some world-class players in ‌the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve."

The field included Kylian Mbappe, who broke World Cup scoring records, and Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain to World Cup glory; voters ultimately selected Kane. At 33, Mr. Kane has claimed the Ballon d'Or, adding the prize to a career that the report places among football's greatest strikers and notes his status as England's all-time leading marksman and their record World Cup scorer.

Ms. Putellas was presented with the women's award after winning the treble with Barcelona in the 2025-26 campaign, in addition to the Spanish Super Cup, and she moved to Women's Super League side London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barca.