Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or as Bayern Munich celebrate England captain

Bayern Munich have praised Harry Kane after the England captain won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player from the German club to receive football’s most prestigious individual honour since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

Kane was presented with the award at a ceremony in London on Monday night, recognised for his performances and influence at the highest level of the game.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer said the achievement represented a significant moment for the club and placed Kane in the company of some of its most celebrated players.

“This is a proud day for FC Bayern. Harry Kane can do it all – and he scores goals, goals and more goals,” Hainer said.

“He now joins a line with Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – that says everything about our history.”

Kane’s success also marks the end of a 30-year wait for a Bundesliga player to win the award, according to Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen.

Dreesen said Kane had earned the honour through his sustained performances, his record-breaking achievements and the qualities he displays away from his goals and assists.

“Harry Kane more than deserves this title. He’s been breaking one record after the other for years, and beyond his many goals and assists, we really value the brilliant character he brings,” Dreesen said.

The club’s sporting board member Max Eberl focused on Kane’s leadership, saying the forward accepts responsibility both during matches and inside the dressing room.

Eberl added that the Ballon d’Or reflected Kane’s achievements across his career and provided an inspiring example for young players hoping to reach the highest level.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said Kane’s importance to the team went beyond his goals, pointing to his complete ability as a centre-forward and his modest personality.

“Harry is a great guy, you very rarely come across someone like him: world-class yet so down-to-earth,” Freund said.

“Harry has taken the centre-forward role to a whole new level – he’s an inspiration, especially for young players. He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest in football history.”

The award places Kane alongside Bayern greats Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller and Rummenigge in the club’s Ballon d’Or history. Rummenigge was the last Bayern player to win the prize before Kane’s success in 2026.