Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, claiming the prestigious individual award for the first time in his career at a ceremony in London on Monday.
The Bayern Munich striker and England captain was recognised after a remarkable season in which he combined prolific scoring with major team success. He finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in the voting.
Kane played a central role in Bayern Munich’s successful campaign, helping the club win the German Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup.
His club form provided the foundation for his Ballon d’Or triumph. During the 2025-2026 season, Kane scored 61 goals and supplied seven assists in 51 matches for Bayern Munich.
The 33-year-old also played a key part in England’s run at the 2026 World Cup. He scored six goals and registered one assist in seven matches, finishing among the tournament’s leading scorers as England secured third place.
Across the season, Kane made 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 goals and creating eight more. He ended the campaign with three trophies won with the German club.
The award recognises a season in which Kane’s individual numbers were matched by collective success. His goals helped Bayern Munich complete a domestic treble, while his performances for England further strengthened his claim to the prize.
Kane becomes the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen, who received the award in 2001 during his career with Liverpool and Real Madrid.
He is also only the fifth English player to claim the honour. Stanley Matthews won it in 1956, Bobby Charlton followed in 1966, and Kevin Keegan lifted the award in both 1978 and 1979.
Kane also collected the Gerd Muller Trophy for the leading goalscorer of 2026 at the same ceremony.
