Kane wins Ballon d'Or after record scoring year

Football's highest individual honor went to Harry Kane on Monday night, capping a season where he outscored his peers across all competitions. The 33 year old Bayern Munich forward accepted the Ballon d'Or in London, becoming the first English player to hold the title since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane's path to the trophy began with his 2023 transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to the German club. That move secured domestic titles for Bayern and allowed Kane to combine tactical leadership with high volume output. His career trajectory shifted from a young player on multiple loans to a consistent top scorer who functioned effectively as a playmaker.

The 2025-26 campaign defined his candidacy. Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern as the team won the league and cup. He added six more goals at the World Cup, helping England reach the semi-finals. His total output reached 73 goals for club and country, a figure that voters considered decisive in a tight field.

The competition included Kylian Mbappe, who broke World Cup scoring records, and Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain win the tournament. Despite those achievements, Kane placed first. Mbappe finished second, followed by Lamine, Rodri, and Lionel Messi. The voting process favored Kane's sustained performance over the entire season rather than peak moments in a single tournament.

On stage, Kane expressed surprise at the result. "Wow, wow, wow!" he said. "I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special." He credited his coaches and wife Kate, noting that his journey included difficult periods before reaching his current level. He urged young players to work hard when no one was watching.

Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time. The Spain midfielder won the treble with Barcelona in 2025-26 and the Spanish Super Cup. She joined London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barcelona. Lamine Yamal collected his third young talent award, while Vicky Lopez won the women's equivalent for the second straight year.

Coaching honors went to Luis de la Fuente of Spain for men and Pere Romeu of Barcelona for women. Unai Simon took the men's goalkeeper award, and Cata Coll won the women's category. Paris St Germain was named men's club of the year, while Barcelona received the women's honor. Kane also won the men's striker of the year prize, and Charlyn Corral was named the top women's striker.

Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work. The ceremony concluded with Kane holding the golden ball, adding the award to his records as England's all-time leading scorer and World Cup goalscorer.