Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or

England captain Harry Kane was crowned the world’s best men’s footballer at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the London Palladium, where the best performers of the 2025-26 season were honoured.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker took the sport’s most prestigious individual prize, which recognises the best players of the 2025/26 season.

In the build-up, Kane and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal were regarded as the leading candidates alongside French and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe.

Kane’s night was not limited to the main award. He also won the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy, given to the top scorer.

Kane, Yamal and Kylian Mbappé led a 30-man shortlist of nominees that also included Lionel Messi, Sadio Mané, Jude Bellingham and Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modrić were not on the list.

Spain dominated the other major categories. Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or, while Yamal took the men’s Kopa Trophy for best young player and Vicky López won the women’s equivalent. Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simón was named best male goalkeeper, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll was named best female goalkeeper. Paris Saint-Germain were named men’s Club of the Year and FC Barcelona Femení won the women’s award.

Main awards

Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain)

Young players (Kopa Trophy)

Men’s: Lamine Yamal won it for the third consecutive year

Women’s: Vicky López (Barcelona)

Goalkeepers (Yashin Trophy)

Men’s: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)

Women’s: Cata Coll (Barcelona)

Top scorers (Gerd Müller Trophy)

Men’s: Harry Kane

Women’s: Charlyn Corral (Pachuca, Mexico)

Other awards

Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente

Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu

Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (men’s) and FC Barcelona Femení (women’s)