The 33-year-old becomes the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Kane also collected the Gerd Müller Trophy as the year’s leading goalscorer. In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas claimed her third Ballon d’Or.
A remarkable season earns Kane football’s highest individual honour
Kane’s extraordinary numbers provide a compelling explanation for his victory. The centre-forward scored 61 goals and supplied seven assists in 51 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich during the 2025/26 season. In the Bundesliga alone, he struck 36 times in 31 matches, claiming the league’s top scorer award for the third consecutive campaign.
His goalscoring exploits extended to European competition. Kane scored 14 goals in the Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. He also contributed ten goals to Bayern’s successful German Cup campaign. The Bavarians completed a domestic treble of Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Supercup titles.
Yet Kane’s contribution went far beyond conventional centre-forward duties. He regularly dropped into midfield to link play, helped build attacking moves and created space for teammates with his intelligent movement. His ability to operate both as a creator and a clinical finisher made him indispensable to Bayern’s attacking system.
Kane carried his outstanding club form into the 2026 World Cup, scoring six goals as England finished third. With 14 World Cup goals across his career, he surpassed Gary Lineker to become England’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.
Alexia Putellas claims her third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas was crowned the world’s best female footballer for the third time, adding the 2026 award to her previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022. The Spanish midfielder registered 26 goals and 15 assists in 53 appearances for FC Barcelona during the 2025/26 season.
Putellas helped Barcelona win four trophies, including the Women’s Champions League, before joining London City Lionesses in the summer. Her third Ballon d’Or draws her level with former Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmatí.
Lamine Yamal completes historic Kopa Trophy hat-trick
Lamine Yamal was named the world’s best young player for the third successive year. The 19-year-old collected another Kopa Trophy, further enhancing his reputation as one of football’s outstanding emerging talents.
The Barcelona winger impressed throughout the previous season with his dribbling, creativity and attacking contributions. He won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, became a world champion with Spain and was named La Liga’s Player of the Season for 2025/26.
Although Yamal finished behind Kane in the main Ballon d’Or voting, his third consecutive Kopa Trophy represents another record achievement.
PSG, Luis de la Fuente and Unai Simón also honoured
Paris Saint-Germain were named Club of the Year after successfully defending their Champions League title. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente received the Coach of the Year award following his country’s World Cup triumph.
Spain also supplied the winner of the Yashin Trophy. Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón, 29, was recognised as the world’s best goalkeeper after playing an important role in his country’s successful World Cup campaign.
