[UPDATED] 2026 Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane Wins 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time on Monday, ending England’s 25-year wait for the award. Kane struck 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double and England to the World Cup semi-finals. Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas (centre) and England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane (right) pose after receiving their Ballon d’Or awards for the best female and male footballer during the 2026 Ballon d’Or France Football award ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London on October 26, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) The 33-year-old former Tottenham forward has been the leading scorer in the Bundesliga for three consecutive seasons and was Europe’s top overall club goalscorer for the 2025-26 campaign.

“Without you guys (his Bayern Munich teammates) and the rest of the team, it wouldn’t be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much,” he said at the ceremony in London. This summer, Kane led England to their best World Cup finish since they lifted the trophy in 1966. The last English player to win the Ballon d’Or was Michael Owen in 2001.

England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane smiles after receiving the Ballon d’Or award for the best male footballer during the 2026 Ballon d’Or France Football award ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London on October 26, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) Two-time Ballon d’Or winner and former Brazilian striker Ronaldo presented the award on Monday night.

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