LONDON — England captain Harry Kane and Spain international Alexia Putellas have won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, respectively, at the 2026 ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday.
Kane, the Bayern Munich striker, ended England’s 25-year wait for the men’s award, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to be crowned the world’s best male footballer.
The 33-year-old beat Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé after an impressive season in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England.
His goals helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and the German Cup, while his performances for England contributed to the national team’s third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kane also received the Gerd Müller Trophy for the best men’s striker, adding another individual honor to an outstanding campaign.
The award makes him the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
Speaking after the ceremony, Kane expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches and supporters, describing the season as the best of his career. He also acknowledged the importance of his time at Tottenham Hotspur in shaping his career before his move to Bayern Munich.
Putellas Claims Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, joining compatriot Aitana Bonmatí as a three-time winner of the award.
Putellas, 32, received the honor after captaining Barcelona to a trophy-laden 2025/26 campaign before joining English Women’s Super League club London City Lionesses in July.
Her performances helped Barcelona win four trophies, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, reinforcing her status as one of the leading players in women’s football.
The midfielder’s third victory marks a remarkable return to the top of the game after a serious knee injury disrupted her career in 2022.
Putellas previously won the award in 2021 and 2022, while Bonmatí claimed it in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Their success has kept the women’s Ballon d’Or in Spanish hands for six consecutive years.
The 2026 ceremony also recognized other outstanding performers. Barcelona’s Yamal won the men’s Kopa Trophy for young players, while teammate Vicky López claimed the women’s equivalent.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón and Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the men’s and women’s Yashin Trophies, respectively, while Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.
The ceremony, which marked the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, was held in London in recognition of the award’s origins and its inaugural winner, English football legend Sir Stanley Matthews.
Kane and Putellas emerged as the night’s leading figures, with both players recognized for their individual excellence and contributions to their teams.