LONDON — A historic night at the London Palladium saw Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane and Spanish maestro Alexia Putellas crowned the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or recipients.
Kane became the first English footballer to lift the award in 25 years—since Michael Owen in 2001—while Putellas made history by securing her third Ballon d’Or Féminin, matching her compatriot Aitana Bonmatí.
Kane’s Milestone Win
Kane topped the voting after a season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions, securing a domestic double alongside the European Golden Boot. He also captained England to the World Cup semi-finals. In the final men’s rankings, Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
“I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special,” Kane said upon collecting the trophy. “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. There are some world-class players in the room tonight.”
Kane also picked up the Gerd Müller Trophy as the Men’s Striker of the Year.
Putellas Completes Her Triumphant Treble
For Putellas, the 2026 honour marked an emotional triumph following her recovery from serious injury setbacks. Having driven Barcelona Femení to domestic and European dominance before moving to London City Lionesses, the Spanish playmaker delivered a standout campaign for both club and country.
With her third golden ball, Putellas further cements her status as one of women’s football’s all-time greats.
2026 Ballon d’Or Award Winners
| Award | Winner | Club / Country |
| Men’s Ballon d’Or | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich / England 🏴 |
| Women’s Ballon d’Or | Alexia Putellas | London City Lionesses / Spain 🇪🇸 |
| Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich / England 🏴 |
| Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy | Charlyn Corral | Pachuca / Mexico 🇲🇽 |
| Kopa Trophy (Men’s U21) | Lamine Yamal | FC Barcelona / Spain 🇪🇸 |
| Women’s Kopa Trophy | Vicky López | FC Barcelona / Spain 🇪🇸 |
| Men’s Yashin Trophy | Unai Simón | Athletic Bilbao / Spain 🇪🇸 |
| Women’s Yashin Trophy | Cata Coll | FC Barcelona / Spain 🇪🇸 |
| Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy | Luis de la Fuente | Spain National Team 🇪🇸 |
| Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy | Pere Romeu | FC Barcelona Femení 🇪🇸 |
| Men’s Club of the Year | Paris Saint-Germain | France 🇫🇷 |
| Women’s Club of the Year | FC Barcelona Femení | Spain 🇪🇸 |
| Sócrates Award | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal / England 🏴 |
