Harry Kane Beats Mbappé and Yamal to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, beating strong competition from Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.

The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony took place at the Palladium Theatre in London on Monday, October 26, marking the first time the prestigious event has been hosted in England.

Kane’s victory makes him the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001, ending a 25-year wait for another Englishman to claim the honour.

The 33-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season, scoring 73 goals for club and country. His impressive performances helped Bayern Munich secure domestic league and cup honours, while his contributions also strengthened England’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, who came third. Manchester City’s Rodri and Lionel Messi completed the top five.

Despite Mbappé’s remarkable goalscoring performances and Yamal’s growing reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents, Kane’s consistency, goalscoring record and team success proved decisive.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kane expressed his delight at winning the honour on home soil, describing the occasion as particularly special because the ceremony took place in London.

The victory represents a major milestone in Kane’s career, adding the Ballon d’Or to his achievements as one of England’s most prolific goalscorers.

Meanwhile, Spain international Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, further cementing her place among the greatest players in women’s football.