Spread the word
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, claiming football’s most prestigious individual honour at the awards ceremony in London on Monday.
Kane emerged as the winner following an outstanding 2025/2026 campaign, during which his goalscoring performances for Bayern Munich strengthened his position among the leading contenders for the award.
The ceremony was held at the London Palladium, bringing together leading figures from football to celebrate outstanding performances in the men’s and women’s games.
The victory marks a major milestone in Kane’s career and places him among the select group of English players to have won the prestigious award. Before him, Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen had claimed the men’s honour, with Owen the most recent English winner in 2001.
Alexia Putellas wins Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, adding another major individual honour to her career.
Putellas earned the recognition after an impressive 2025/2026 season with Barcelona, during which she helped the Spanish club enjoy significant success before moving to English side London City Lionesses in July.
Her latest triumph further underlines her standing among the leading figures in women’s football.
Yamal, Vicky Lopez win young talent awards
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, continuing his remarkable rise in European football.
Spain international Vicky Lopez claimed the corresponding women’s award, adding to Barcelona’s strong showing at the ceremony.
The awards recognise promising young players whose performances have distinguished them among their peers.
Coaches and goalkeepers honoured
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year honour.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
The awards recognised the contributions of coaches and goalkeepers to their respective teams during the season.
Barcelona, PSG named clubs of the year
Barcelona Femení won the Women’s Club of the Year award, while Paris Saint-Germain claimed the Men’s Club of the Year honour.
The recognitions highlighted the achievements of both clubs in their respective competitions during the 2025/2026 campaign.
Saka receives Socrates Award
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need.
Nigerian singer Burna Boy presented the award during the ceremony after speaking about his efforts to support football development in Nigeria through his football academy.
The Socrates Award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and improve lives in their communities.
Gerd Müller Trophy winners
Kane also won the Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy, which recognises outstanding goalscoring achievements, completing a notable double at the ceremony.
Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy for her goalscoring performances.
The awards formed part of the wider Ballon d’Or ceremony, which honours excellence across individual performances, coaching, goalkeeping, club achievements and humanitarian contributions.
Spread the word