Kane ends England’s 25-year wait for the men’s award
Harry Kane won the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or at Monday's ceremony in London, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. The Bayern Munich striker's first victory in the vote made him the first English recipient since Michael Owen in 2001.
The announcement came early Tuesday, October 27, Philippine time. Kane, 33, received the award after a season in which UEFA credited him with 73 goals for club and country across all competitions. He also collected the men's leading-scorer prize at the ceremony.
Bayern's account of that scoring award put his club contribution at 61 goals in 51 competitive appearances during 2025–26. UEFA said he finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer for a third consecutive season and scored 14 Champions League goals as Bayern reached the semifinals.
The recognition also ended a long wait for his club. Bayern said Kane is its first Ballon d'Or winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981. He joins a group of Munich winners that also includes Gerd Müller and Franz Beckenbauer.
London hosted the ceremony for the first time as the award marked its 70th anniversary. The venue choice honored the connection with Stanley Matthews, the English player who won the inaugural edition in 1956. France Football presents the award, with UEFA serving as co-organizer since 2024.
Bayern have already outlined the next celebrations. The club plans to welcome Kane before Wednesday's German Cup match against Magdeburg at the Allianz Arena and honor him again at Saturday's Bundesliga meeting with Borussia Dortmund.