Harry Kane gained the 2026 Ballon d’Or on the seventieth version of the ceremony, held on the London Palladium on 27 October. The Bayern Munich striker turned the primary England participant to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001, and the primary Bayern participant to win it since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
Kane, 33, scored 73 objectives and added six assists in 65 appearances throughout the eligibility interval, which ran from 3 August 2025 to 19 July 2026, ending with the ultimate of the FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona completed third within the remaining standings, with Rodri positioned fourth and Lionel Messi fifth.
A record-breaking season for membership and nation
In 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, Kane contributed 61 objectives and 7 assists, profitable the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and the German Tremendous Cup. He additionally reached the Champions League semi-finals, gained the Bundesliga Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe, and was named within the Bundesliga and Champions League greatest XIs.
For England, Kane captained the aspect in 14 matches, scoring 12 objectives and offering one help. On the World Cup he performed seven instances, scoring six objectives and including one help as England completed third.
Historic milestones for Kane and the award
Kane is the fourth Bayern participant to win the Ballon d’Or, giving the membership its sixth winner of the trophy. He’s additionally the seventh Bundesliga participant to win the award and the fifth England participant to take action, becoming a member of Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.
In keeping with L’Equipe, Kane gained the award on the age of 33 years and 90 days, making him the fourth-oldest first-time winner within the historical past of the Ballon d’Or. The ceremony was the primary to be held exterior France, chosen to mark the seventieth anniversary of Matthews profitable the inaugural award in 1956.
Reactions and ceremony notes
When Cristiano Ronaldo learn out Kane’s title, the Bayern striker lowered his head and pressed his palms collectively. Bayern teammate Michael Olise smiled and appeared towards Kane, whereas Luis Diaz was described as probably the most visibly excited individual within the room, celebrating brazenly when the winner was introduced.
Former Bayern ahead Thomas Muller despatched a video message congratulating Kane, saying the award mirrored Kane’s particular person brilliance and that his membership had additionally performed its half. Muller added that he would see Kane on the golf course quickly and requested him to win extra trophies for Bayern Munich. The Allianz Area was lit up in gold with Kane’s title displayed on the facade, with Bayern’s official media writing that Munich was golden that evening.
