Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Ballon d’Or Wait as Alexia Putellas Wins Third Award

Harry Kane won the 2026 men's Ballon d’Or on Monday, ending a 25-year wait for an English winner, while Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the women's prize for the third time.

The awards were presented at the London Palladium Theatre on 26 October, marking the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or and the first time the ceremony had been staged in London.

Kane, 33, finished ahead of France's Kylian Mbappé and Spain's Lamine Yamal in the men's voting. He became the first English winner since Michael Owen received the award in 2001.

Kane rewarded after prolific season

The Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025–26 campaign.

His performances helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title, while Kane also finished as the German league's leading scorer for a third consecutive season.

He scored 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals.

Kane also received the Men's Striker of the Year award.

Putellas wins third women's Ballon d’Or

Putellas, 32, added the 2026 women's Ballon d’Or to the awards she won in 2021 and 2022.

The Spanish midfielder played a central role in Barcelona's successful 2025–26 season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists during the club's UEFA Women's Champions League campaign.

She joined London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Putellas finished ahead of Poland's Ewa Pajor and Jamaica's Khadija Shaw in the women's voting.

Her third victory further strengthened her place among the most decorated players in women's football.

Other major awards

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was named Men's Young Talent of the Year, while Vicky López received the women's equivalent.

Spain's Unai Simón won the men's goalkeeping award, with Barcelona's Cata Coll taking the women's prize.

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men's Coach of the Year, while Barcelona's Pere Romeu received the women's coaching award.

Paris Saint-Germain won Men's Club of the Year and Barcelona received Women's Club of the Year.

Mexico's Charlyn Corral won Women's Striker of the Year, while England and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his social and humanitarian work.

The Ballon d’Or was established by France Football in 1956 and has been jointly organised by France Football and UEFA since 2024.