English Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or during a ceremony at the London Palladium on October 26. Kane became the fifth English player to win the award and the first since Michael Owen, who received it in 2001.
Kane scored 73 goals for his club and national team during the 2025-2026 season. He won the German Bundesliga and German Cup with Bayern Munich and helped England reach the World Cup semifinals.
Kylian Mbappe finished second in the voting, followed by Lamine Yamal in third, Rodri in fourth and Lionel Messi in fifth.
After receiving the award, Kane said: "Being in London makes it even more special; I felt it was a good omen." He added: "It's the journey. For every boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible."
The ceremony began 30 minutes late, at 20:30 local time, after the award's official website mistakenly published the winners' names several hours earlier. Yamal won the Best Young Player award, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente was named Best Coach, and Unai Simón won the Best Goalkeeper award.