Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas win Ballon d’Or honours

Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas were crowned the winners of the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, 2026, marking a major night for two of football’s leading figures. Kane’s victory makes him the first Englishman to win the men’s prize since Michael Owen in 2001, while Putellas secured the women’s honour for the third time.

The ceremony, held at the London Palladium, marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956. The event brought together leading players, coaches and clubs to celebrate achievements across men’s and women’s football.

Kane’s outstanding season earns top honour

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker was recognised after a prolific 2025/26 campaign. UEFA reported that Kane scored 73 goals for club and country, helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title as part of a domestic treble, and finished as the German league’s leading scorer for a third consecutive season. He also scored 14 goals in the Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals.

Kane finished ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in the men’s voting. His win adds his name to a distinguished list of English recipients that includes Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.

The England captain has built his career through years of persistence, including loan spells early in his time at Tottenham Hotspur before establishing himself as one of Europe’s most consistent goalscorers. In his acceptance remarks, Kane thanked the people who supported his journey and described the achievement as especially meaningful with the ceremony taking place in London.

Putellas makes it three

Spain international Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, having previously claimed the award in 2021 and 2022. Her latest triumph returns her to the top after teammate Aitana Bonmatí won the honour in each of the previous three years.

Putellas was rewarded for her contribution to Barcelona’s successful 2025/26 campaign. She played a key role in the club’s European triumph, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in the Women’s Champions League, where she was named Player of the Season. She joined London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Her third victory further strengthens her place among the most decorated players in women’s football. She finished ahead of Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor and Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw in the women’s voting.

Other major winners on the night

The ceremony also recognised emerging talent, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs. Yamal won the men’s Young Talent of the Year award for a third consecutive year, while Barcelona midfielder Vicky López took the women’s prize. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón and Barcelona’s Cata Coll received the men’s and women’s goalkeeper awards, respectively.

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu won the women’s award. Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year, and Barcelona received the women’s club honour. Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award, which recognises humanitarian and social initiatives.

A landmark night for football

Kane and Putellas leave the 2026 ceremony with individual honours that reflect their impact on the sport. For Kane, the award ends a quarter-century wait for an English men’s winner. For Putellas, it represents a return to the summit of the women’s game and a third Ballon d’Or in her career.

The London ceremony celebrated the award’s 70-year history while highlighting the achievements of players from across the men’s and women’s game.