LONDON, United Kingdom – Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé were among the names drawing attention ahead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, but when the votes were counted, it was Harry Kane who emerged as football’s biggest individual winner.

Kane’s triumph delivered a surprise for fans who had been following the debate around the award, with Barcelona’s teenage sensation Yamal, Real Madrid forward Mbappé and eight-time winner Messi all attracting attention in the build-up.

The England captain’s victory also ended a 25-year wait for an Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001.

At Bayern Munich, Kane enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, helping the German side retain the Bundesliga title and contributing to England’s third-place finish at the World Cup.

Yamal, meanwhile, had been one of the leading names in the conversation surrounding the award, while Mbappé entered the ceremony as another major contender. Messi’s presence added further intrigue, given his record eight Ballon d’Or victories.

But the final outcome belonged to Kane, whose goalscoring record and team achievements helped him rise above a field featuring some of the most celebrated names in modern football.

For Kane, the award represents a defining milestone in a career that has brought individual scoring records and major club success. For Yamal, Mbappé and Messi, the result leaves the spotlight on what comes next in their pursuit of football’s most prestigious individual honour.

The verdict underlined one of the Ballon d’Or’s enduring attractions: predictions and public debate can dominate the build-up, but only the final vote determines who takes home the prize.