Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas claimed football’s biggest individual honours at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, with both players recognised for outstanding performances during the 2025-26 season. Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s award, while Spain’s Putellas secured the women’s trophy for the third time in her career.
The 70th edition of the awards was held at the London Palladium, marking the first time the ceremony took place outside France. The event recognised achievements across men’s and women’s football, including individual performances, coaching, goalkeeping, club success and humanitarian work.
Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Wait
The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the men’s voting. Kane’s victory followed a prolific campaign in which he scored 73 goals for club and country across all competitions.
His contributions helped Bayern secure domestic silverware, including the Bundesliga title and German Cup. Kane also finished among Europe’s leading goalscorers and scored six times for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the national team reached the semi-finals.
The award marks a significant milestone in the 33-year-old forward’s career. He becomes only the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.
Kane also received the Gerd Müller Trophy for the men’s striker of the year, adding another individual honour to his successful season.
Alexia Putellas Wins Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s award after another successful campaign with Barcelona. The 32-year-old previously claimed the honour in 2021 and 2022, making this her third Ballon d’Or Féminin title.
Putellas played an important role in Barcelona’s European campaign, recording seven goals and seven assists in the Women’s Champions League. Her performances also earned her the competition’s Player of the Season recognition.
She finished ahead of Polish forward Ewa Pajor and Jamaica international Khadija Shaw in the voting. Putellas moved to London City Lionesses before the 2026-27 season after spending 14 years at Barcelona.
Her victory continued a strong period for Spanish players in women’s football, with Barcelona also collecting several other awards during the ceremony.
Complete List of Major Ballon d’Or 2026 Winners
The ceremony honoured players, coaches and clubs from across the football world.
AwardWinnerMen’s Ballon d’OrHarry KaneWomen’s Ballon d’OrAlexia PutellasMen’s Young Talent of the YearLamine YamalWomen’s Young Talent of the YearVicky LópezMen’s Goalkeeper of the YearUnai SimónWomen’s Goalkeeper of the YearCata CollMen’s Coach of the YearLuis de la FuenteWomen’s Coach of the YearPere RomeuMen’s Club of the YearParis Saint-GermainWomen’s Club of the YearBarcelonaMen’s Striker of the YearHarry KaneWomen’s Striker of the YearCharlyn CorralSócrates AwardBukayo Saka
Barcelona and Spain Enjoy a Successful Evening
Barcelona’s influence was particularly visible in the women’s categories. Young midfielder Vicky López received the Women’s Young Talent of the Year award, while goalkeeper Cata Coll was recognised for her performances. Head coach Pere Romeu won the Women’s Coach of the Year honour, and Barcelona collected the Women’s Club of the Year award.
On the men’s side, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was recognised for his work with the national team. Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón received the men’s goalkeeper award, while Yamal won the young-player honour.
Paris Saint-Germain secured the Men’s Club of the Year award, adding to the club’s recent run of success in European football.
Bukayo Saka Receives Humanitarian Award
England and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work and social initiatives. The award recognises football figures who use their platforms to support communities and social causes.
The ceremony celebrated achievements beyond goals and trophies, highlighting contributions from players and clubs across the sport.
Kane’s breakthrough victory and Putellas’ third women’s title were the night’s leading stories, while the wider list of winners reflected the impact of England, Spain, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain during the 2025-26 season.
