Harry Kane has become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s Ballon d’Or after beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to football’s most prestigious individual award.
The Bayern Munich striker received the trophy at a ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday, ending a wait for an English winner that stretched back to Michael Owen in 2001. Kane was named the winner after a season in which he excelled for Bayern and captained England to the World Cup semi-finals.
Mbappe finished second after Kane, while Yamal finished third, putting the 19-year-old in the top three for two years in a row.
“It was really tough this year, the incredible players I was up against,” Kane said as he collected the trophy.
“Being in London, it is extra special, it felt like a good omen. Thank you to everyone who voted for me, I can imagine it was tough, so thank you.”
Kane’s award follows those won by Ousmane Dembele in 2025 and Rodri in 2024. It also places him in a small group of English players who have won the prize, with Owen, Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan the previous recipients.
Kane’s victory comes after a remarkable year in front of goal. He has scored 89 goals for club and country since the start of August 2025, and won the European Golden Boot. He also played a major part in Bayern’s Bundesliga title success and helped England reach the last four of the World Cup.
Thank you Alexia & Harry! A very first night to remember in London for the Ballon d’Or ceremony! We’ll see you soon…
#ballondo https://t.co/JAFjTRrMu0
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 27, 2026
A chief element of the England captain’s play is his ability to drop in and join the team in the build-up, using his passing and movement to bring other attackers into the game. Bayern paid an initial €100m to sign Kane from Tottenham in 2023, a record fee for the German club.
In his speech, Kane also thanked the clubs and people who had helped him reach the top. He reserved particular praise for his wife, Kate, whom he described as his biggest support.
“To my wife Kate, my best friend,” he said. “We’ve been through ups and downs. You are my biggest support and I felt like you wanted this more than me.
“You sacrifice yourself to make me achieve my dreams. This wouldn’t be possible without you and it is something we can celebrate, not me. We’re a team. I can’t wait to celebrate tonight. I love you.”
Unreal atmosphere outside the London Palladium! 🥹
#ballondor https://t.co/XlVRCi1Gwg
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 27, 2026
The striker also spoke about the difficult route he had taken to reach the top, having spent time on loan at Leyton Orient and Millwall before establishing himself at Tottenham.
“My journey wasn’t straightforward,” Kane said. “I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration, and thank you very much.”
This year’s award going to Kane means that Mbappe will continue to wait for the much-coveted prize. The France forward became the leading goalscorer in World Cup history this year with 22 goals, having scored 10 at the 2026 tournament.
Yamal, the other contender, helped Spain win the World Cup and was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the Men’s Young Player of the Year at Monday’s ceremony. Yamal paid tribute to his Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi after receiving the award.
“I’d have liked it to be Cubarsi,” he said. “This prize should have been for him. He deserves it.”
It’s just about the emotions!
#ballondor https://t.co/oTFnzb9vPt
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, was named Coach of the Year after leading his side to the World Cup, while goalkeeper Unai Simon received the men’s goalkeeper award.
The women’s Ballon d’Or went to Alexia Putellas of London City Lionesses, who claimed the prize for the third time and five years after her first win with Barcelona.
