England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has emerged as the winner 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The win ended England’s 25-year-wait to win the coveted award.
Kane is now the fifth English player to win the award following Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) and Michael Owen (2001).
“I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special,” said an emotional Kane.
“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 is] an impressive showing of determination and what hard work can really achieve.”
‘ ! https://t.co/03aZeGTkkn
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 26, 2026
Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season, only Lionel Messi (2011/2012) had scored more in the modern era.
Harry Kane’s astonishing 156 goals in 158 games for Bayern Munich since 2023 have lifted him to seventh on the club’s all-time scorers list.
The best player in the world.
Our 2026 #BallonDor winner: HARRY KANE! https://t.co/kSC25NPI77
— England (@England) October 26, 2026
He has topped the Bundesliga scoring charts for three seasons running, and he was Europe’s leading club goalscorer for 2025-26. He also led England to their best World Cup finish since they won the tournament in 1966. England won the third-place match to take bronze, and Kane finished fifth in the tournament scoring.
Real Madrid and France captain Kylian Mbappe emerged first runner up, while Barcelona Winger and 2026 World Cup winner Lamine Yamal came third.
