Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. He has also become the first English player to win this trophy in the last 25 years.
Kane earned this recognition after scoring a total of 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/2026 season. Kane received the award on Monday in a ceremony held in London. In the race for the world’s best player award presented by the French football magazine, Kane surpassed Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.
This victory brings an end to the long wait for English players. Michael Owen was the last English player to win the Ballon d’Or prior to this, back in 2001. Kane now joins the elite list of English football legends who have won the Ballon d’Or, which includes Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979), and Michael Owen (2001).
Speaking after accepting the award, an emotional Kane shared that he was left speechless. Expressing gratitude to France Football and the Ballon d’Or, he added that receiving the award in London made the moment even more special. He also noted that the competition for the award was not easy and thanked everyone who voted for him.
