Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or after record-breaking season with Bayern Munich

Harry Kane said he was “almost speechless” after becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or, following a season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich.

The England captain was presented with football’s most prestigious individual award in London after helping Bayern complete a domestic league and cup double in 2025-26.

“Wow, wow, wow,” Kane said. “I am almost speechless.

“Being here in London has made it extra special. It made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.

“There are some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. This shows that determination and hard work can really achieve.”

Kane is the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001. His 61 goals for Bayern, combined with 12 for England, gave him 73 for club and country across the campaign.

He also scored six goals at the World Cup, helping England reach the semi-finals, and finished the season as Europe’s leading goalscorer.

Kane’s move to Bayern in 2023 brought the team trophies that had previously eluded him. His individual success in 2025-26 completed a remarkable rise from a youngster who struggled to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur and was sent out on several loans.

He developed into one of the most complete centre-forwards of his generation, combining finishing ability with playmaking and leadership. During his speech, Kane thanked his career coaches, Tottenham Hotspur and his wife, Kate.

“It’s about the journey,” he said. “Anything is possible. Work hard when nobody is watching.

“For any young boy or girl wanting to achieve their dreams, anything is possible. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs. I had to find my way to be the very best right now.”

Kylian Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. Mbappe had broken World Cup scoring records, while Yamal helped Spain win the World Cup, but Kane’s consistency throughout the season ultimately proved decisive.

At 33, Kane has added the Ballon d’Or to a record-breaking career in which he has become England’s all-time leading goalscorer and record World Cup scorer.

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third time after helping Barcelona win the treble and Spanish Super Cup in 2025-26. She joined Women’s Super League club London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal won his third young-player award, while Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s prize for the second successive year. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, with Barcelona’s Pere Romeu winning the women’s award.

Unai Simon of Spain and Athletic Bilbao won the men’s goalkeeper award, while Cata Coll of Spain and Barcelona took the women’s honour.

Paris St Germain were named men’s club of the year and Barcelona won the women’s award. Kane also received the men’s striker of the year prize, while Charlyn Corral was named top women’s striker.

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.