By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Toochi Ejiofor
A memorable night of football history unfolded at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony as Harry Kane finally reached football’s highest individual honour after 25 years of hard work.
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or delivered a memorable night for football, with England’s captain Harry Kane winning the men’s award for the first time in his career.
The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal at the ceremony held at the London Palladium in England. His victory ends a 25-year wait for an English winner, following Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001.
Harry Kane’s remarkable journey to the top
For England’s all-time top goalscorer, the Ballon d’Or represents a major milestone in Kane’s career.
The England captain scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 campaign, helping Bayern Munich retain their Bundesliga title and win domestic silverware. He also scored 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals.
Kane’s achievement is particularly significant because he had never finished higher than 10th in the Ballon d’Or rankings before this victory.
After receiving the award, Kane acknowledged the contribution of his teammates, coaches, family and supporters. He described the season as the best of his career and emphasised that his goals were the result of a collective effort.
His win places him among a select group of Englishmen to have received the award, joining previous winners Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
Alexia Putellas reclaims the women’s crown
In the women’s category, Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third time, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022.
The midfielder, who previously enjoyed major success with Barcelona, returned to the top of the individual awards after another outstanding season.
Her latest win made the ceremony a significant night for Spanish football, with several other Spanish players and coaches receiving honours.
Bukayo Saka recognised beyond football
One of the other notable moments came when Arsenal and England’s forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award.
Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which recognises sporting performance, the Sócrates Award celebrates humanitarian work and social initiatives connected to football.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding performances across men’s and women’s football.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal won the men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Vicky López took the women’s equivalent.
Spain’s Unai Simón and Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll received the men’s and women’s goalkeeper awards, respectively. Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s coaching award.
Paris Saint-Germain was named men’s club of the year, with Barcelona taking the women’s club honour. Harry Kane also received the men’s Striker of the Year award, adding another prize to his memorable night.
This year’s ceremony marked 70 years of the Ballon d’Or, an award first presented in 1956 to England’s Sir Stanley Matthews.
What do you think about this year’s Ballon d’Or winners? Did Harry Kane deserve the men’s award, and who impressed you most among the other winners? Share your thoughts in the comments!
