Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or after a record-breaking season for Bayern Munich and England, becoming the first Englishman to receive football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The 33-year-old scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions in 2025-26, helping the German club complete a domestic league and cup double. He finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country.
“Wow, wow, wow,” Kane said after accepting the award. “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 and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve.”
Kane’s move to Bayern in 2023 brought him the team trophies that had previously eluded him. His goalscoring form during the 2025-26 season made him the leading candidate for the award and established him as Europe’s leading scorer.
His impact also extended to international football. Kane scored six goals at the World Cup as England reached the semi-finals, combining his finishing with the leadership and composure that have characterised his international career.
The award completes a long journey for Kane, who thanked his career coaches, Tottenham Hotspur and his wife Kate during an emotional speech.
“It’s about the journey,” he said. “Anything is possible, work hard when nobody is watching.
“For any young boy or girl wanting to achieve their dreams, anything is possible. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs. I had to find my way to be the very best right now.”
Kane was sent out on numerous loans early in his career while trying to establish himself at Spurs. He eventually developed into one of the most complete centre forwards of his generation, combining a wide range of finishing with the ability to create chances for teammates.
Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by c, Rodri and Lionel Messi. Kylian Mbappe had broken World Cup scoring records, while Lamine Yamal helped Spain win the World Cup, but Kane’s consistency across the season proved decisive.
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third time after helping Barcelona win the treble and the Spanish Super Cup in 2025-26. She joined Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal won his third young talent award, while Vicky Lopez received the women’s prize for the second successive year. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year and Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s award.
Unai Simon of Spain and Athletic Bilbao won the men’s goalkeeper award, with Cata Coll of Spain and Barcelona taking the women’s honour.
Paris St Germain were named men’s club of the year and Barcelona won the women’s award. Kane also received the men’s striker of the year prize, while Charlyn Corral was named the leading women’s striker.
Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.
