GOLAZONEWSHarry Kane and Alexia Putellas Claim 2026 Ballon d'Or Honors in London
- Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane won his first Ballon d'Or at the London Palladium Theatre.
- Kane became the first English player in 25 years to receive the men's award.
- Alexia Putellas of London City Lionesses matched a record by claiming her third women's trophy.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been named the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or winner during a ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre. The England captain finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to become the first English recipient of the award since Michael Owen in 2001, as well as the first Bundesliga player to win since 1996. Former Brazil forward Ronaldo presented Kane with the trophy. During his speech, Kane expressed gratitude to his past managers at Tottenham Hotspur, though he omitted André Villas-Boas and Nuno Espírito Santo.
Kane also picked up the Gerd Müller Trophy for the second time, having recorded 73 goals in 65 matches for club and country in the 2025/26 season, including 61 goals for Bayern Munich. In the women's category, Alexia Putellas of London City Lionesses claimed a record-equalling third Ballon d'Or Féminin. Her award recognized her performances for Barcelona during the 2025/26 campaign, in which she won four titles: the UEFA Women's Champions League, the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Several other honors were handed out in London. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy as best young player for the third consecutive year, while Unai Simón received the Yashin Trophy for top goalkeeper. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was selected as coach of the year, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian efforts with the Big Shoe foundation, and Paris Saint-Germain was recognized as the club of the year.