Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Here are all the winners
An Englishman has won again after 25 years. PSG are the best team, Yamal the best young player. Putellas tops the women’s rankings once again
Key points
Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or and takes England back to the top of world football 25 years after Michael Owen’s triumph. The Bayern Munich centre-forward receives the highest individual honour from Ronaldo at the end of the ceremony held at the London Palladium. A fitting tribute to an extraordinary season, in which he scored 73 goals in 65 matches, leading the German club to victory in the domestic competitions.
Harry Kane’s pride
“It’s incredible to win it, and even more special to receive this award in London,” said Kane, who was visibly moved by the announcement. “It’s been the best season of my life, both personally and as a team.” At 33, the England captain succeeds Ousmane Dembélé and becomes the first Briton to win the award since 2001, when Owen triumphed. It was not to be for Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who were among the hot favourites going into the awards but failed to make it to the top of the rankings. The Frenchman from Real Madrid, who also starred at the World Cup, had made his ambitions clear: “I always think I’m the best, but everyone has their own opinion.” The Barcelona talent, on the other hand, had to settle for winning the Best Young Player award for the third year running.
Paris Saint-Germain Men’s Team of the Year
The 70th edition of the award, established in 1956 by France Football, was held exceptionally in London specifically to celebrate the anniversary and pay tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first ever winner. Hosting the gala were Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, in front of the stars of international football. Among the evening’s highlights was Paris Saint-Germain, named Men’s Team of the Year following another season at the top of European football. Dembélé, reigning winner, celebrated the Parisian club’s collective journey, emphasising the value of the team and their shared efforts. The French side, having secured two consecutive Champions League triumphs, has thus reaffirmed its status as one of the leading forces in European football.
Yamal confirmed as best young player
The Kopa Trophy for the best young player has once again gone to 19-year-old Yamal: “It’s an honour to be here and to receive this award,” he said, paying tribute to his team-mate Pau Cubarsí: “I think he should have won it.” The award for best men’s coach went to Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente, who chose to share the credit with his players: “This isn’t an individual award, but one for the whole team.” Unai Simón, meanwhile, received the award for best goalkeeper: “I must thank my parents and my brother, who instilled principles and values in me.”
Putellas tops the women’s football league
In women’s football, the Ballon d’Or went to Alexia Putellas, who has now won the award three times, equalling the record set by her compatriot Aitana Bonmatí. The midfielder led Barcelona to a trophy-laden season, winning La Liga, the Copa de la Reina, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League, before moving to the London City Lionesses. She also made her mark in Europe thanks to her decisive performances in the Champions League final stages, a competition in which she was voted best player. Among other awards, the Gerd Müller Trophy for best striker was awarded to Kane, rounding off an evening celebrating his record-breaking season. The London gala thus crowns a new undisputed star of English football, whilst Putellas returns to the women’s throne and PSG reaffirms its central role on the international stage.
