Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d'Or and brings England back to the top of world football 25 years after Michael Owen's success. The Bayern Munich center forward receives the highest individual recognition from the hands of Ronaldo, at the end of the ceremony organized at the London Palladium. A consecration for an extraordinary season, in which he scored 73 goals in 65 games, leading the German club to the conquest of national trophies.
Prince William also joined the chorus of congratulations, defining the player - now at Bayern after having played for Tottenham, and leader of the Three Lions national team - an "exceptional captain" and an "extraordinary footballer". England manager Thomas Tuchel said he was "thrilled" by Kane's victory, calling his success a "great honour". Kane became the first Bayern player to win the Ballon d'Or since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
"It's incredible to win it, even more special to receive this award in London - the words of Kane, visibly moved at the announcement -. It was the best season of my life, both personally and as a team".
At 33, the England captain succeeds Ousmane Dembélé and becomes the first Briton to win the award since 2001, when Owen triumphed. Nothing to do for Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, among the big favorites on the eve and remained outside the top of the rankings. The Frenchman from Real Madrid, also a protagonist at the World Cup, had claimed his ambitions: "I always think I'm the best, but everyone has their own opinion". The Barcelona talent, however, had to settle by winning the title of Best Young Player for the third year.
The 70th edition of the award, established in 1956 by France Football, was exceptionally held in London to celebrate the anniversary and pay homage to Stanley Matthews, the first winner in history. The gala was hosted by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, in front of the stars of international football. Paris Saint-Germain was also among the protagonists of the evening, awarded as men's team of the year after another season at the top of Europe. Dembélé, outgoing winner, celebrated the collective journey of the Parisian club, underlining the value of the group and shared work. The French team, protagonist of two consecutive Champions League triumphs, thus confirms itself as one of the great protagonists of continental football.
The Kopa Trophy for the best young player still goes to Yamal, 19 years old: "It's an honor to be here and receive this award," he said, dedicating a thought to his teammate Pau Cubarsí: "I think he should have won it." The award for best men's coach went to Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who wanted to share the credit with his players: "This is not an individual award, but for an entire team." Unai Simón instead received the award for best goalkeeper: "I have to thank my parents and my brother, who passed on principles and values to me."
In women's football, the Ballon d'Or went to Alexia Putellas, who achieved three successes and equaled the record of her compatriot Aitana Bonmatí. The midfielder led Barcelona to a trophy-rich season, with La Liga, Queen's Cup, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League, before moving to London City Lionesses. In Europe she also left her mark thanks to her decisive performances in the final phase of the Champions League, a competition in which she was elected best player.
Among other awards, the Gerd Müller Trophy for best striker was awarded to Kane, completing an evening celebrating his record-breaking year. The London gala thus gives English football a new absolute protagonist, while Putellas returns to the female throne and PSG reaffirms its centrality on the international scene.
