Ballon d’Or: Kane, Putellas crowned world’s best footballers in London

Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas

Harry Kane has ended England’s 25-year wait for the men’s Ballon d’Or after winning the prestigious individual award at Monday’s ceremony in London.

The Bayern Munich striker became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to be named the world’s best male footballer.

The England captain claimed the honour ahead of a strong field of nominees, including France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

The 2026 ceremony, organised by France Football, recognised outstanding individual and team performances across men’s and women’s football.

The award represents a major milestone for Kane, who has established himself among Europe’s leading forwards through his goalscoring consistency and performances for club and country.

Meanwhile, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, equalling the record set by her former teammate Aitana Bonmatí.

Putellas was rewarded for an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which she captained Barcelona to four major trophies: the Spanish Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Her achievements also included playing a key role in Spain’s Nations League triumph.

After receiving the award, Putellas thanked her teammates and acknowledged the quality of the other nominees.

“I think anyone here could have fairly won this trophy and be giving this speech here right now,” she said.

The ceremony also celebrated emerging talents, coaches, goalkeepers and clubs that distinguished themselves during the season.

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the men’s young player award, while Vicky López claimed the corresponding women’s honour.

Barcelona Femeni and Paris Saint-Germain were named the women’s and men’s clubs of the year, respectively.

Spain’s Pere Romeu and Luis de la Fuente received the women’s and men’s coach of the year awards, while goalkeepers Cata Coll and Unai Simon won the corresponding prizes in the women’s and men’s categories.

Kane also claimed the men’s top scorer award, with Mexico’s Charlyn Corral receiving the women’s equivalent.

England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work and social initiatives.

The ceremony brought together leading figures in world football to celebrate individual excellence and achievements across the game.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini