Harry Kane Beats Yamal and Mbappe to Win Ballon d'Or, Putellas Takes Women's Award for Third Time
Harry Kane has won this year's Ballon d'Or, finishing ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. At the ceremony held at the Palladium Theatre in London, the England and Bayern Munich striker received football's highest individual award.
The Palladium Theatre fell silent as Brazilian legend Ronaldo pulled the paper bearing the Ballon d'Or winner's name from the envelope. As soon as the name was announced, cheers of 'Harry, Harry' spread around the London venue.
With this win, England's captain and Bayern Munich's prolific striker became the first English man in 25 years to receive the honour.
Taking the stage, Kane expressed his amazement. He said: 'Wow, wow, wow. I am almost speechless. This event being held in London has made it even more special for me. Tonight feels like it has brought a good omen for me. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I understand that choosing this year must have been quite difficult.'
He added that many world-class players were present in the hall that night. He congratulated all of the night's winners and nominees and said the evening showed that determination and hard work can truly bring success.
Kane scored a total of 73 goals for club and country in the 2025-26 season. He was also Europe's overall top club scorer that season.
Although judges were asked to consider only the most recent season in ranking the players, Kane's 156 goals in 158 matches for Bayern Munich since 2023 have lifted him to seventh place on the German club's all-time top scorers list.
Kane has finished at the top of the Bundesliga scoring chart for three consecutive seasons.
Kane also played a key role for his country. He played the main role in bringing England their best success since winning the World Cup in 1966. England won the third-place match to earn a bronze medal, and he finished the tournament as its fifth-highest scorer.
In the women's category, Spain's Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or. It is her third Ballon d'Or win. The men's and women's players of the year were announced at the same London ceremony.
