Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon dOr to end Englands 25-year wait

Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a prolific season for Bayern Munich and England, becoming the first Englishman to receive football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

The England captain finished ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe, who came second, while Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal was third.

Kane is the fifth English player to win the prize, joining Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen on the list of winners. The 33-year-old was rewarded after a standout 2025-26 campaign in which he established himself as one of the leading contenders for the award.

He scored 61 goals and supplied seven assists in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich. Kane added a further 11 goals and three assists for England during the season.

The striker was the Bundesliga’s leading scorer with 36 goals and scored 14 times in the Champions League. He also won the European Golden Shoe.

Kane accepted the award in London and thanked those who had voted for him, while also acknowledging the other players recognised at the ceremony.

“Being in London is special, thank you to everyone who voted for me; I’m sure it was tough to pick,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees; it’s a real showing of what hard work and determination can do.”

He then highlighted the role played by his Bayern team-mates in helping him reach the level required to win the individual accolade.

“Without you guys and the rest of the team, it wouldn’t be possible; the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much,” Kane said.

Tuchel praises ‘deserved’ recognition

England manager Thomas Tuchel, who previously coached Kane at Bayern Munich, said the award reflected the striker’s consistency and performances over a prolonged period.

“Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon d’Or! I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world,” Tuchel said.

Tuchel also underlined the historical importance of Kane becoming the first English winner for 25 years.

“To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader,” he added.

The England manager expects Kane to celebrate the achievement with his family before turning his attention back to helping his team score more goals and secure further victories.