Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, becoming the first English footballer in 25 years to receive the prestigious individual award.

The Bayern Munich striker was announced as the winner at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, beating Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who finished second and third respectively.

Kane’s victory ends England’s long wait for another men’s Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen claimed the honour in 2001. The England captain joins a select group of English recipients that includes Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan, according to Brandspur Brand News.

The award recognises Kane’s outstanding goalscoring record during the 2025/26 season, in which his performances for Bayern and England strengthened his position among the leading players in world football.

Speaking after receiving the trophy, Kane described the achievement as beyond his wildest dreams. He thanked France Football, the organisers of the award, as well as his teammates, former club Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team.

The 33-year-old also reflected on the difficult path that brought him to the top of the game, pointing to his early loan spells and the challenges he faced before establishing himself as an elite striker.

He said he hoped his career would encourage young people to pursue their ambitions, stressing that reaching the highest level was possible even when the journey was not straightforward.

Kane’s success also highlights the significance of his move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in 2023. The transfer took him from the English Premier League to Germany’s Bundesliga, where he continued his pursuit of goalscoring records while competing for major honours.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher welcomed the result, describing Kane as an outstanding player whose career deserved recognition. Carragher also noted that England had produced relatively few Ballon d’Or winners compared with the country’s contribution to world football.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, praising his performances and describing the recognition as deserved. Prince William, the Football Association’s patron, also celebrated the striker’s achievement, highlighting his leadership and contribution to the sport.

Kane was not the only English player recognised at the ceremony. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work, while Yamal won the men’s Young Talent of the Year award.

Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente received the Men’s Coach of the Year award. Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year prize.

In the women’s categories, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu was named Women’s Coach of the Year.

The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website published separate articles naming Kane, Mbappe and Yamal as the winner. The articles were removed before Kane was officially announced, adding an unexpected twist to the build-up to the event.

The ceremony itself also started 45 minutes later than scheduled because of traffic in London.

Despite the disruption, the night ended with Kane securing one of football’s most coveted individual honours and bringing an end to England’s 25-year wait for another winner.