Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane crowned winner

The English striker wins the trophy ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé

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Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane crowned winner

Harry Kane won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or this Monday, October 26, at the conclusion of the 70th edition of the ceremony held at the London Palladium in England. The Bayern Munich striker was rewarded for a season marked by 73 goals in 65 matches for his club and the England national team.

Harry Kane has won the most coveted individual trophy in world football for the first time. He finished ahead of Spain’s Lamine Yamal and France’s Kylian Mbappé, his main rivals for this edition.

The English goalscorer owes this distinction in particular to his attacking efficiency. With 73 goals across all competitions and for club and country, he produced one of the best seasons in history statistically. Only Lionel Messi has done better in a single season, with his 82 goals in 2011–2012.

A domestic treble with Bayern Munich

Harry Kane also added to his collection of team honours in Germany. With Bayern Munich, he won the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the German Super Cup. Those titles further strengthen a case already underpinned by his individual statistics.

The English striker did not win everything, however. The Champions League and the World Cup eluded him, despite a prolific season with Bayern and the England national team.

England return to the summit after 25 years

Harry Kane has become the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen, who was honoured in 2001. Before him, three other Englishmen had their names added to the roll of honour: Stanley Matthews in 1956, Bobby Charlton in 1966, and Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979.

Partly developed at Tottenham, Kane established himself over the years as one of the best goalscorers of his generation. After shining for a long time without winning a major club trophy, his move to Bayern Munich in 2023 marked a turning point in his career.