Sports
Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d'Or, Ending England's 25-Year Wait
October 27, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Coverage
13 reports · over 5 hours
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or at the London Palladium, becoming the first English player to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
- Kane received the award from Brazilian star Ronaldo, ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, after scoring 73 goals across the 2025–2026 season.
- He became the first Bayern Munich player to win the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
- Kane thanked former coaches Jose Mourinho, Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte during his acceptance speech.
- Kane said he wants to win it again and ruled out a Premier League return, citing his enjoyment at Bayern Munich and targeting the Champions League.
- Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he is convinced Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d'Or and accepted Kane's victory with good sportsmanship.
- France Football editor Vincent Garcia said Kane won by the narrowest margin in the award's history, with Mbappé leading the vote for weeks.
- After footage showed him and Mbappé failing to stand to shake Kane's hand, Dembélé congratulated Kane on Instagram as 'well deserved'.
- Lamine Yamal's uncle mocked Kane's win as a 'farewell gift', insisting his nephew is the world's best player.
- Prince William congratulated the England captain, calling him a great leader and an outstanding player for football fans.
- Eight-time winner Lionel Messi finished fifth in the standings, based on his performances with Argentina at the World Cup.
- Kane also claimed the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker, presented during the same ceremony at the London Palladium.












