Harry Kane is the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or winner. The Bayern Munich and England striker is the first Englishman to take football’s top individual prize since Michael Owen in 2001.
The 33-year-old earned it after a huge 2025–26 season. He scored 61 goals for Bayern across all competitions and added 12 for England. That took his combined club and country tally to 73.
Kane struggled to hold back tears at Monday’s ceremony in London. He said winning in his home city made it special.
“I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight,” he said.
He thanked those who voted for him. “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year,” Kane said.
He also hailed his fellow nominees. “Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight,” he added, stressing that hard work and determination pay off.
His goals were the backbone of his case. He netted 36 Bundesliga goals in 2025–26 to help Bayern win the league. He also won the European Golden Shoe for the second time.
Kane called it the best season of his career and credited his teammates and support network.
Before Bayern in 2023, he was Tottenham Hotspur’s record scorer and one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. The Ballon d’Or, presented by France Football, held its 2026 ceremony at the London Palladium on October 26, marking its 70th anniversary.
