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

Harry Kane was named the Ballon d’Or winner on Monday, completing his long pursuit of football’s most prestigious individual award after a record-breaking campaign for Bayern Munich and England.

The 33-year-old is the first Englishman to receive the honour since Michael Owen in 2001.

“Wow, wow, wow,” Kane said after taking to the stage. “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 tonight. It shows determination and hard work can really achieve.”

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, helping the German club win the domestic league and cup double.

He finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country, establishing himself as Europe’s leading scorer. His impact was also felt internationally, with six goals at the World Cup helping England reach the semi-finals.

Kane’s success followed his 2023 move to Bayern, where he won the major trophies that had previously eluded him. His consistency, intelligence and finishing made him the leading candidate for the award, with few quiet periods throughout the season.

He thanked his former coaches, Tottenham Hotspur and his wife Kate during an emotional speech.

“It’s about the journey,” he added. “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.”

Kane had initially struggled to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur and spent time on several loan spells before developing into one of the most complete centre-forwards of his generation.

Kylian Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi.

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third time. She had helped Barcelona win the treble and the Spanish Super Cup in 2025-26, before moving to 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 collected the women’s prize for a 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 received the men’s goalkeeper award, while Cata Coll of Spain and Barcelona won the women’s honour.

Paris St Germain were named men’s club of the year and Barcelona won the women’s award. Kane also collected 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.