Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane Wins First Golden Ball as Alexia Putellas Claims Third Title

Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas received football's most prestigious individual awards at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, while Lamine Yamal, Unai Simón, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were among the other major winners.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place on October 26 at the London Palladium, marking the award's 70th anniversary and its first presentation in the British capital.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the Men's Ballon d'Or for the first time, becoming the first English player to receive the honour in 25 years. The 33-year-old scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 season, helping Bayern secure a domestic treble and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who placed second and third respectively. He also received the Gerd Müller Trophy as the year's leading men's striker.

In women's football, Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d'Or, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Vicky López received the men's and women's Kopa Trophies for outstanding young players.

The Yashin Awards went to Spain's Unai Simón and Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll. Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona women's coach Pere Romeu received the Johan Cruyff coaching honours.

Paris Saint-Germain was named Men's Club of the Year, while Barcelona collected the women's equivalent. Mexican forward Charlyn Corral won the Women's Gerd Müller Trophy, and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.

The ceremony highlighted Spain's continued influence across international football, while Kane's victory recognised an exceptional individual season. With emerging stars such as Yamal and López already collecting major honours, the next generation is also establishing itself among the sport's leading figures.