Harry Kane has reportedly been crowned the winner of the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim football’s most prestigious individual award. The Bayern Munich striker received the honour at London’s Palladium on Monday, October 26, in a landmark ceremony held outside Paris for the first time. On the women’s side, Spain’s Alexia Putellas also made history by securing her third Ballon d’Or.
Highlights
- Harry Kane reportedly won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or in London.
- The Bayern Munich striker became England’s first winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
- Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s Ballon d’Or after previous victories in 2021 and 2022.
- Kane’s season included a Bundesliga title and the Gerd Müller Trophy for his goalscoring exploits.
- Paris Saint-Germain had 10 players among the original 30 nominees, with several reportedly finishing inside the top 25.
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Harry Kane Ends England’s Long Wait
Harry Kane has reportedly been crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, ending a 25-year wait for an English player to receive the prestigious individual football award.
The Bayern Munich forward was honoured at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, succeeding France international Ousmane Dembélé, who won the previous edition.
Kane’s reported victory marks a significant milestone for English football. Michael Owen was the last Englishman to claim the award, back in 2001. Before Owen, Kevin Keegan won it in 1978 and 1979, while Bobby Charlton received the honour in 1966. Stanley Matthews became the first-ever recipient in 1956.
The decision to stage the 70th edition in London also carried historical significance, bringing the ceremony to England seven decades after Matthews made history.
Why Kane Emerged on Top
Kane’s goalscoring consistency and achievements with Bayern Munich reportedly helped him secure the award ahead of a strong field of contenders.
The England captain enjoyed a productive campaign, helping Bayern win the Bundesliga title while maintaining his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable forwards.
He also received the Gerd Müller Trophy earlier in the evening, recognising his goalscoring achievements during the season.
His ability to deliver consistently in front of goal, combined with silverware at club level, strengthened his case for the biggest individual honour in men’s football.
Kane faced competition from several high-profile players, including Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and the previous winner, Dembélé. However, the English striker ultimately emerged as the reported winner after a closely watched race.
Alexia Putellas Wins Her Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has reportedly claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or, adding to the awards she won in 2021 and 2022.
The achievement places her among the most decorated players in the history of the women’s award.
Putellas previously established herself as one of the leading figures in women’s football during her time at Barcelona, where her technical ability, creativity and leadership helped her earn global recognition.
According to the supplied report, she moved from Barcelona to London City Lionesses during the summer, making her latest individual triumph an important milestone as she begins a new chapter in her career.
Her victory also comes in a year when compatriot Aitana Bonmatí was absent from the list of nominees following an injury-disrupted season.
How the Ballon d’Or Race Unfolded
The men’s contest featured a number of football’s biggest names, with Kane, Mbappé, Yamal and Dembélé among the leading contenders before the ceremony.
Yamal entered the race after finishing second in the previous edition, while Mbappé’s performances kept him in contention for another major individual honour.
Dembélé was also seeking to build on his previous triumph after another successful campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
Other notable names included Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rodri and eight-time winner Lionel Messi, whose presence on the shortlist added further interest to the competition.
The final result reportedly went Kane’s way, rewarding his combination of individual production and team success.
PSG Stars Feature in the Rankings
Paris Saint-Germain had a strong presence among the 30 men’s nominees, with several of the club’s players appearing in the positions revealed during the ceremony.
According to the supplied report, Marquinhos finished 25th, while Nuno Mendes placed 23rd. Achraf Hakimi was reportedly ranked 13th, followed by Vitinha in 14th place.
Other PSG players included João Neves in 19th and Willian Pacho in 20th.
Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsí reportedly finished 12th, narrowly ahead of Jude Bellingham, who occupied 11th place.
William Saliba and Sadio Mané were reported to share 29th place, while Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano finished 26th.
The rankings highlighted the depth of talent represented across Europe’s leading clubs, even as the top honour went to Kane.
A Landmark Night for Football
The 2026 ceremony delivered two major stories: Kane’s reported triumph for England and Putellas’ return to the top of the women’s game.
For Kane, the award represents recognition of years of elite-level performances and consistent goalscoring. It also places him in a select group of English players who have received football’s most celebrated individual honour.
For Putellas, the third award further strengthens her standing among the greatest players in women’s football.
With the ceremony taking place in London for the first time, the occasion also offered a symbolic link between the award’s history and one of the countries that has helped shape the global game.
From Kane’s historic breakthrough to Putellas’ continued dominance, the 2026 Ballon d’Or reminds football fans that greatness can take many forms but who will be the next star to make history?
