Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or

England captain Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or at the 70th edition of the prestigious awards.

The Three Lions striker and joint all-time appearance maker enjoyed a goal-laden season with Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 times in 65 games – 61 of which came for his club and 12 for his country.

He becomes just the fifth Englishman to win the award, after Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), Michael Owen (2001).

The news was announced at tonight’s ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre, which was held outside of the French capital for the first time this year – as a tribute to its inaugural winner from 1956, Sir Stanley Matthews.

Kane’s contributions helped England to finish third at the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this summer, the Three Lions’ best finish at a World Cup since winning it in 1966.

The forward – Europe’s top scorer last season – also won the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal and Franz Beckenbauer Supercup with Bayern Munich.

“Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon D’Or!” said Three Lions head coach, Thomas Tuchel.

“I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.

“To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.

“I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.”

Kane also received the Gerd Müller Trophy, given to the best men’s Striker of the Year.

It is the second time he has won the award, having shared the prize with Kylian Mbappé in 2024.

“It was an incredible year for me last year – to score the amount of goals I did was something I’m extremely proud if,” he said. “It was the best season of my career without a doubt.

“It wouldn’t be possible without many people along the way. My Bayern Munich teammates, my England teammates, the coaches – Thomas Tuchel, Vincent Kompany.

“To score this amount of goals is a total team effort. Without them, without the players I have around me, pushing me in training, in matches, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Bellingham and Rice’s placements

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Declan Rice also made the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

Bellingham came 11th in the top 30 rankings – which were revealed ahead of tonight’s ceremony, counting down to the top ten – and Rice took 15th place.

Lionesses represented

Two Lionesses – Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood – were nominated for the Ballon d'Or Féminin.

Arsenal forward Russo made the top ten after making the shortlist, while Manchester City defender Greenwood ranked 26th.

Hannah Hampton was also nominated for the Yashin Trophy, having won the inaugural prize – which recognises the world's best female goalkeepers – at last year’s ceremony.

Saka honoured

Bukayo Saka won the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work and social initiatives connected to football.

“I’d like to thank France Football for the opportunity to be here to keep raising awareness of causes that are very close to my heart,” he explained.

“All of us here, we know how it feels to be a child and having a ball at your feet and how much joy you have. Every time I have the opportunity to help another kid have that feeling again, that’s important to me.

“We’re all just really blessed.”