Harry Kane beats Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal to Ballon d'Or award to end England's 25-year wait

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Kane beats Mbappe, Yamal to Ballon d'Or to end England's 25-year wait
© Imago / Kirchner-Media

Bayern Munich and England star Harry Kane was named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner at Monday's awards ceremony in London. 

The battle for the Ballon d'Or was seen as a close race between Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. 

Kane was ultimately the one who prevailed as Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario announced the England captain as the winner of the prestigious award.

As a result, the 33-year-old has become the fifth English player to win the award and the first since Michael Owen claimed the prize in 2001. 

Prior to Owen, Stanley Matthews won in 1956, Bobby Charlton prevailed in 1966, and Kevin Keegan claimed back-to-back awards in 1978 and 1979.

Why did Kane win "extra special" Ballon d'Or?

After taking to the stage to win the award, Kane said: "I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special.

"Made it 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, an impressive showing of what determination and hard work can really achieve."

Kane won the award after scoring 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, 19 more than any other player across Europe's top five leagues.

That impressive return also saw Kane pick up the Gerd Muller Trophy as the highest-scoring footballer in the 2025-26 campaign. 

The striker helped Vincent Kompany's side win the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and the German Supercup.

Kane also impressed in the 2025-26 Champions League, netting 14 goals in 13 appearances as Bayern Munich made a run to the semi-finals, where they fell just short against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

As for Mbappe and Yamal, they had to settle for second and third place respectively, and will surely fancy their chances of winning the top prize at some stage of their careers. 

Who won the Ballon d'Or Femenin?

While Kane claimed the men's prize, London City Lionesses' Alexia Putellas was named the winner of the women's Ballon d'Or.

Putellas claimed the prize for the third time in her career for her performances during a quadruple-winning campaign with Barcelona.

The 32-year-old netted 21 goals and provided 13 assists in her final season with Barcelona. 

Putellas scored seven goals as Barcelona retained the Women's Champions League trophy, including a crucial brace in a 4-2 win over Bayern Munich in the UWCL semi-final second leg. 

The women's Ballon d'Or has now been won by either Putellas or Aitana Bonmati in each of the last six editions of the award. 

Yamal wins third Kopa Trophy 

Despite missing out on the top prize, Yamal still has a reason to celebrate after winning the men's Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, an award handed to the best young player during the qualifying period. 

Barcelona's Vicky Lopez won the women's Kopa Trophy, while her teammate Cata Coll picked up the Women's Yashin Trophy, the prize handed out to the best goalkeeper. 

As for the men's Yashin Trophy, Unai Simon topped a 10-man shortlist that contained two of his Spain teammates, David Raya and Joan Garcia.

Meanwhile, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu won the awards for the men's and women's Coach of the Year. 

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