Harry Kane Wins 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane won the Men’s Ballon d’Or on 26 October 2026 at the 70th ceremony, held at the London Palladium. He became the first English winner of the men’s award since Michael Owen, who received it in 2001.

Ballon d’Or and its history

The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by the French magazine France Football. The award began in 1956, with England’s Stanley Matthews as its first recipient. From 1995, players of any nationality playing for a European club could be considered; eligibility became worldwide in 2007. Separate women’s and men’s awards have been presented since 2018.

Kane is the fifth English player to win the men’s award. Previous English winners were Stanley Matthews in 1956, Bobby Charlton in 1966, Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979, and Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane’s 2025–26 season

Kane, aged 33, scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025–26 season. He played for Bayern Munich, scoring 36 Bundesliga goals and 14 goals in 13 UEFA Champions League appearances. Bayern won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal during the season.

Kane finished ahead of runner-up Kylian Mbappé and third-placed Lamine Yamal in the men’s voting. He also received the Men’s Striker of the Year award. Lionel Messi remains the record holder for the most goals in a single season, with 82 in 2011–12.

Other award recipients

Spain’s Alexia Putellas won her third Women’s Ballon d’Or at the 2026 ceremony. Her previous wins came in 2021 and 2022. Putellas also received the award in 2026 after helping Barcelona win multiple trophies in the preceding season.

Important Facts for Exams

• The first Ballon d’Or was awarded to Stanley Matthews in 1956.
• Michael Owen won the men’s Ballon d’Or in 2001.
• Kevin Keegan won the men’s award in two consecutive years, 1978 and 1979.
• Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021, 2022 and 2026.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony was held at the London Palladium. Kane’s 73 goals included performances for Bayern Munich and the England national team.