Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner after an outstanding season for Bayern Munich and England.
The England captain defeated Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe to claim football’s biggest individual prize.
His victory makes him the first English player in 25 years to win the prestigious award.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony was held in London for the first time in history.
Despite a delayed start caused by heavy traffic, the night ended in celebration for Kane.
The 33-year-old scored an incredible 73 goals in 65 matches for club and country last season.
His brilliant performances helped Bayern Munich win both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.
Kane also finished the World Cup with six goals as England secured third place.
He dedicated the award to his Bayern teammates, saying their support and competition inspired him to reach greater heights.
Kane said his decision to leave Tottenham for Bayern Munich in 2023 played a major role in his development as a player.
In the women’s category, Spain’s Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d’Or after making a remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal settled for the Young Player of the Year award for the third consecutive year.
Mbappe also missed out on the Ballon d’Or despite enjoying another prolific campaign with Real Madrid and the French national team.
Spain’s World Cup-winning coach, Luis de la Fuente, was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s coaching prize.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work, while Paris Saint-Germain were named Men’s Club of the Year despite failing to win any major individual honour.