England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player in 25 years to receive the award.
Kane was announced as the winner at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Palladium Theatre in London on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The award is the first of Kane’s career, placing him among the elite players to have won football’s most prestigious individual honour. He is the first Englishman to claim the prize since Michael Owen won it in 2001.
Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, presented the award at the ceremony.
Kane’s performances during the 2025/26 season played a major role in his victory. The England captain scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, helping Bayern Munich secure a league and cup double in Germany.
He also led England to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further strengthening his case for the individual honour.
The 2026 award recognises a season in which Kane combined prolific scoring with success at both club and international levels.
His victory also ends a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s award, following Owen’s success at the turn of the century.
