Harry Kane Wins First Ballon d’Or, Ending England’s 25-Year Wait

Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in London, claiming the award for the first time in his career and becoming the first English winner in 25 years.

Alexia Putellas reclaimed the women’s prize, taking the honour for the third time. Her return to the top of the women’s awards joined Kane’s breakthrough as a highlight of the evening.

Yamal, De la Fuente and Simon were also honoured during the London ceremony, which brought together the winners of the year’s football awards.

The celebrations followed confusion before proceedings began, after materials were published naming three different winners of the men’s prize. Kane’s eventual coronation settled the uncertainty surrounding the award.