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

Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career, becoming the first English player in 25 years to claim the men’s award.

Alexia Putellas reclaimed the women’s Ballon d’Or, taking the prize for the third time as the London ceremony recognised leading figures in football.

The build-up was overshadowed by confusion after material published before the ceremony named three different winners of the men’s award. Kane was ultimately confirmed as the recipient.

Yamal, de la Fuente and Simon were also among those honoured at the ceremony, where Kane’s breakthrough and Putellas’s return to the top marked the headline results.