Harry Kane Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Monday at the 70th awards ceremony held at the London Palladium, France Football said.
Harry Kane Ballon d’Or win caps 73-goal season
Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or after a season in which, France Football credited him with 73 goals, combining club and international play.
France Football said the tally left Kane as the clear choice over Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona teen Lamine Yamal. The magazine called it the highest individual honor of the sport, and noted Kane is the first English player to win since Michael Owen in 2001.
Final rankings and runners-up
The Ballon d’Or top 10 reflected a competitive year. France Football placed Kylian Mbappé second and Lamine Yamal third, with Spain midfielder Rodri in fourth.
Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who split last season between international duty and Inter Miami, finished fifth. The sixth through tenth spots included Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, and Fabián Ruiz, according to the organizers.
Spain dominates other major awards
The women’s Ballon d’Or was awarded to Spain’s Alexia Putellas, marking her third career win, France Football said.
Spain also took several other honors: Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy as the best young player, Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Yashin Trophy as best goalkeeper, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year.
Historical note and ceremony location
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony was held at the London Palladium, and France Football said it was the first time the awards were staged outside France or Switzerland, adding a historical footnote to the evening.
Organizers credited Kane’s consistency for the victory, saying his scoring rate and leadership at both club and national level persuaded voters. For Harry Kane, the Ballon d’Or completes a season that, organizers said, reshaped the conversation about the game’s top individual performers.
France Football provided the official rankings and award announcements. Additional details on voting and the full longlist were published by France Football concurrent with the ceremony.