Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas Win 2026 Ballon d'Or Awards

England captain Harry Kane and Spanish star Alexia Putellas claimed the top honors at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony held on Monday at the London Palladium theatre. In one of the closest races in recent years, Kane edged out Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to capture the men's prize, bringing an end to England's 25-year wait for the accolade since Michael Owen won it in 2001.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker put together an extraordinary 2025-26 campaign, netting 73 goals in 65 matches across all competitions for club and country. This incredible output included 61 goals in just 51 appearances for the German champions. During his acceptance speech after receiving the trophy from Brazilian legend Ronaldo, Kane reflected on his challenging path to the top. "I hope my journey, it wasn't straightforward, I didn't go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now," Kane stated.

Kane also used his speech to express gratitude toward Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, who was recovering in the hospital at the time. "I wish you well, and I hope this has given you a bit of energy. Since I've been with you, I have improved as a player, a person and a leader," Kane said of his coach, who had been nominated for the best coach of the year award.

On the women's side, Alexia Putellas secured her third career Ballon d'Or Feminin, joining her compatriot and former Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmati as the only players in history to achieve the feat. Putellas stepped up following Bonmati's broken leg to lead Barcelona to a historic quadruple, which included their fourth Champions League title. She recorded 26 goals and 15 assists across 53 matches during the season, completing an inspirational comeback from the torn ACL she suffered in 2022.

Addressing aspiring athletes during her acceptance speech, Putellas shared an empowering message. "Don't listen if someone tells you, you can't do it. Believe in yourself," she said. Spanish players have now completely dominated the Women's Ballon d'Or, claiming the trophy for six consecutive years.

The ceremony, moving outside of France for the first time in its history to celebrate the inaugural winner Stanley Matthews in London, handed out several other major awards. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal successfully defended his Kopa Trophy as the world's best under-21 player, while his club teammate Vicky Lopez won the women's Kopa Trophy for the second straight year. Paris Saint-Germain took home the Men's Club of the Year award, and Barcelona was named Women's Club of the Year.

In other categories, Spain's World Cup-winning manager Luis de la Fuente captured the Men's Coach of the Year award, while Pere Romeu took home the women's equivalent following Barcelona's dominant season. Unai Simon and Cata Coll were named the men's and women's Goalkeepers of the Year, respectively, and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his extensive humanitarian work supporting children and families.