Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has become the first Bundesliga player to win the coveted Ballon d’Or in three decades after seeing off competition from some of football’s biggest names to win the 2026 award.

Kane, 33, is the first player from Germany’s top flight to get his hands on the prestigious prize - awarded to the world’s best footballer - since Borussia Dortmund’s Matthias Sammer in 1996.

The striker was in irresistible form for club and country last season, netting an eye-watering 73 goals for Bayern and England - the best scoring season of any player in European football history behind Argentine superstar Lionel Messi’s 2011/12 campaign.

"I am almost speechless," Kane said after receiving the prize from two-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo Luís Nazário. "Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year. Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve."

Watch: All Kane's 2025/26 Bundesliga goals

Kane’s 36 Bundesliga efforts in 2025/26 were instrumental in helping Bayern secure a 35th top-flight title, while he also scored in every round of the DFB Cup - including a hat-trick in the final against Stuttgart - as Vincent Kompany’s side completed a domestic double.

The Englishman added 14 goals in 13 UEFA Champions League outings, finishing only behind Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé during Bayern’s run to the last four of the competition. His numbers were no less impressive at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he netted six times to help England finish third - their best performance since 1966.

Kane is the seventh player to get his hands on the award while playing for a Bundesliga club, after Gerd Müller (1970), Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976), Allan Simonsen (1977), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980, 1981) and Sammer.

He also claimed the Best Striker prize.

Kane is the first Bundesliga player to win the Ballon d'Or since former Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Matthias Sammer in 1996. - imago sportfotodienst

Kane’s club team-mate Michael Olise, who finished in the top 10, also enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 campaign, registering 34 direct goal involvements in Germany’s top flight alone - earning him the Player of the Season award last term.

Fellow Bayern stars Luis Díaz and Dayot Upamecano - the two other Bundesliga players on the shortlist - came 24th and 26th respectively.