Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or, ending 25-year English drought
England's Harry Kane claims his first Ballon d'Or on Monday night at London's Palladium Theatre, becoming the first Englishman to win the award since 2001.
At a glance
- Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or on Oct 26, 2026, becoming first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001.
- Kane scored 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England, including 6 at the World Cup where England reached third place.
- Spain's Alexia Putellas won women's Ballon d'Or for a record-equaling third time on the same night.
Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d'Or on Monday, claiming the prestigious award at London's Palladium Theatre. The 33-year-old Tottenham and England forward earned the honor after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, including a record-breaking campaign with Bayern Munich and at the 2026 World Cup.
Kane's historic win ends a 25-year drought for English players, with the last winner being Michael Owen in 2001. His 73 goals across all competitions made him Europe's top scorer, while he also set records in Germany and at the World Cup where he captained England to a third-place finish.
Record-breaking season nAt the World Cup, Kane scored six goals to surpass Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading tournament scorer. His hat-trick in Bayern Munich's German Cup final victory over Stuttgart capped a season that saw the Bavarian club win both the Bundesliga and domestic cup doubles.
Emotional acceptance nIn his acceptance remarks, Kane emphasized the journey behind his success. "Anything is possible with hard work, when no one else is watching, to go through the ups and downs, to learn through resilience, determination and self-belief," he told young players. The award ceremony in London marked the first time the event was held in the host nation, honoring the inaugural winner Stanley Matthews in 1956.
Women's award winner nSpain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for a record-equaling third time, ending Aitana Bonmati's three-year reign. Putellas led her former club Barcelona to multiple trophies and helped Spain win the Women's Nations League.
Kane was followed in the voting by Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. He thanked his teammates, coaches, parents and wife Kate, calling her his "biggest supporter."
England coach Thomas Tuchel praised Kane, saying the Three Lions are "lucky to have you as our leader" and that he had run out of superlatives to describe Kane's performances.
Fans packed the streets around Oxford Circus, chanting Kane's name as he left the theater after midnight.
Source: NPR News
Questions and answers
- Who won the Ballon d'Or in 2026?
- Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
- Why did Harry Kane win the Ballon d'Or?
- Kane won after scoring 73 goals for club and country, including a World Cup record for England, leading Bayern Munich to a double and becoming Europe's top scorer.
- Who won the women's Ballon d'Or in 2026?
- Spain's Alexia Putellas won her record-equaling third women's Ballon d'Or after leading Barcelona to multiple trophies and helping Spain win the Women's Nations League.
