Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or, England’s first winner in 25 years

Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or at the 70th edition of the ceremony, held at the London Palladium on 27 October. The Bayern Munich striker became the first England player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001, and the first Bayern player to win it since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

Kane, 33, scored 73 goals and added six assists in 65 appearances across the eligibility period, which ran from 3 August 2025 to 19 July 2026, ending with the final of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona finished third in the final standings, with Rodri placed fourth and Lionel Messi fifth.

A record-breaking season for club and country

In 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, Kane contributed 61 goals and seven assists, winning the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and the German Super Cup. He also reached the Champions League semi-finals, won the Bundesliga Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe, and was named in the Bundesliga and Champions League best XIs.

For England, Kane captained the side in 14 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist. At the World Cup he played seven times, scoring six goals and adding one assist as England finished third.

Historic milestones for Kane and the award

Kane is the fourth Bayern player to win the Ballon d’Or, giving the club its sixth winner of the trophy. He is also the seventh Bundesliga player to win the award and the fifth England player to do so, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.

According to L’Equipe, Kane won the award at the age of 33 years and 90 days, making him the fourth-oldest first-time winner in the history of the Ballon d’Or. The ceremony was the first to be held outside France, chosen to mark the 70th anniversary of Matthews winning the inaugural award in 1956.

Reactions and ceremony notes

When Cristiano Ronaldo read out Kane’s name, the Bayern striker lowered his head and pressed his hands together. Bayern teammate Michael Olise smiled and looked toward Kane, while Luis Diaz was described as the most visibly excited person in the room, celebrating openly when the winner was announced.

Former Bayern forward Thomas Muller sent a video message congratulating Kane, saying the award reflected Kane’s individual brilliance and that his club had also played its part. Muller added that he would see Kane on the golf course soon and asked him to win more trophies for Bayern Munich. The Allianz Arena was lit up in gold with Kane’s name displayed on the facade, with Bayern’s official media writing that Munich was golden that night.