Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, capping a remarkable season for the Bayern Munich striker and becoming the first Englishman to claim football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane was also named Men’s Striker of the Year at Monday’s ceremony at the London Palladium, adding another individual accolade to his collection.
Kane’s success represents a major personal achievement after years of establishing himself among the world’s leading forwards. Having previously excelled at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Germany, he has continued to demonstrate his ability to deliver at the highest level.
The award also places him in an exclusive group of English footballers to have won the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
English football celebrates historic achievement
Kane’s triumph ends a 25-year wait for an English winner of the award, with Owen the last player from the country to claim the honour in 2001.
The result is also a landmark moment for Bayern, whose domestic success has provided a platform for Kane to strengthen his standing among the elite players in world football.
The ceremony featured several other notable winners, including Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who claimed the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for his charitable work.