For the first time since 1956, the Ballon d’Or left France and landed in London, and England’s own Harry Kane made history.
At the London Palladium Theatre on Monday night, October 26, 2026, Bayern Munich and England captain Harry Kane, 33, was crowned the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner, beating Kylian Mbappé (2nd) and Lamine Yamal (3rd). He is the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen in 2001 and only the 5th English winner ever after Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979) and Owen.
Kane was emotional: “It being here in London as well has made it extra special. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was really tough this year.”
Why Kane Won:
– *73 goals + 8 assists in 65 matches* for club and country (Aug 2025 – July 2026)
– 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern — Won Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup treble
– European Golden Boot winner
– Led England to World Cup bronze in USA/Mexico/Canada, scoring 6 goals, passing Pelé on all-time World Cup scorers list
– Hosts: Popular presenter Kate Scott and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry (9-time Ballon d’Or nominee, CBS Champions League duo)
– Performers: British R&B star Jorja Smith opened with “Blue Lights” (10-year anniversary) and Moroccan-American rapper French Montana (Unforgettable)
– Presenters: Alan Shearer presented Gerd Müller Trophy to Kane, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy presented Sócrates Award to Bukayo Saka, Patrick Vieira & Sol Campbell presented Club of the Year awards
FULL LIST OF ALL WINNERS — 2026 Ballon d’Or:
Category Winner
Men’s Ballon d’Or Harry Kane – Bayern Munich / England
Women’s Ballon d’Or Alexia Putellas – Barcelona / Spain (3rd win)
Men’s Kopa Trophy (Young Talent) Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (3rd consecutive)
Women’s Kopa Trophy Vicky López – Barcelona
Men’s Yashin Trophy (Best GK) Unai Simón – Athletic Bilbao / Spain
Women’s Yashin Trophy Cata Coll – Barcelona
Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Striker) Harry Kane – 73 goals
Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy Charlyn Corral – Pachuca / Mexico – 49 goals in 49 games
Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy (Coach) Luis de la Fuente – Spain
Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy Pere Romeu – Barcelona
Men’s Club of the Year Paris Saint-Germain
Women’s Club of the Year FC Barcelona
Sócrates Award (Humanitarian) Bukayo Saka – Arsenal / England
Men’s Ballon d’Or Top 10:
1. Harry Kane
2. Kylian Mbappé
3. Lamine Yamal
4. Rodri
5. Lionel Messi
6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
7. Ousmane Dembélé
8. Erling Haaland
9. Michael Olise
10. Fabián Ruiz
The ceremony also paid tribute to late Kevin Keegan, England’s only two-time winner who died in July 2026, and to inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews — reason London was chosen for the 70th anniversary.