Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or 2026, Crowned World's Best Men's Footballer
Harry Kane made history by winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to receive the honour, celebrated at the London Palladium on October 26. Alexia Putellas secured her third Ballon d'Or Féminin.
History was made last night as England captain Harry Kane etched his name into footballing folklore, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to be crowned the men's Ballon d'Or winner. The prolific Bayern Munich forward was honoured at a glittering ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, for his exceptional performances during the 2025-2026 season. Harry Kane Becomes Fastest Player to 100 Bundesliga Goals As Bayern Munch Rout Union Berlin 7-0.
Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or 2026
Spain's midfield maestro, Alexia Putellas, also celebrated a remarkable achievement, claiming her third Ballon d'Or Féminin. The former Barcelona star, now with London City Lionesses, cemented her status as one of the game's all-time greats with another stellar campaign.
A Historic Night in London
The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or marked a significant departure from tradition, with the ceremony hosted outside Paris for the very first time. London's iconic Palladium Theatre provided a fitting backdrop for the evening, which commenced with a red carpet at 6 PM UK time (2 PM ET) before the main awards presentation kicked off at 8 PM UK time (4 PM ET). Legendary Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Scott co-hosted the event, guiding attendees through a night of celebration and recognition.
Kane's triumph followed a season where his "prolific scoring" for Bayern Munich, coupled with leading England to the World Cup final, made him the bookmakers' clear favourite. He also took home the Gerd Müller Trophy, awarded to the leading goalscorer. Alexia Putellas' victory was equally anticipated, with the Spanish international entering the ceremony as the "clear favourite" for the women's award. Harry Kane Confirms Talks on Bayern Munich Contract Extension Beyond 2027.
Other Key Award Winners
The ceremony also celebrated emerging talents and defensive stalwarts across men's and women's football:
- Men's Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yamal (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Women's Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Vicky Lopez (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Men's Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Bilbao)
- Women's Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Cata Coll (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Men's Gerd Müller Trophy (Leading Goalscorer): Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
- Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach): Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)
- Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach): Pere Romeu (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Men's Club of the Year: PSG (France)
- Women's Club of the Year: FC Barcelona (Spain)
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony truly delivered a night of unforgettable moments, cementing Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas as the undisputed stars of the 2025-2026 football season and showcasing the global reach and talent within the beautiful game.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2026 09:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).