LONDON, OCT 27 (AGENCIES): England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to receive football’s most prestigious individual honour. Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time.
Kane’s triumph followed a remarkable season in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions, helping the German club secure a domestic league and cup double. His consistency, clinical finishing and leadership proved decisive in a fiercely contested race for the award.
Speaking after receiving the honour in London, Kane expressed his gratitude to everyone who voted for him, acknowledging the quality of the players nominated alongside him. He also thanked his coaches, former club Tottenham Hotspur and his wife, Kate, for supporting him throughout his career.
Kane’s achievement marked the culmination of a long journey to the top of world football. Having struggled to establish himself at Tottenham as a youngster and endured several loan spells, he developed into one of his generation’s most complete centre-forwards, combining prolific goalscoring with playmaking ability.
“It’s about the journey,” Kane said, encouraging young aspiring footballers to remain committed to their ambitions despite setbacks. He emphasised that success was possible through hard work, determination and perseverance, even for those who did not rise immediately to the top.
Kane’s move to Bayern Munich in 2023 helped him secure major team honours that had eluded him earlier in his career. Last season, he finished as Europe’s leading goalscorer and accumulated 73 goals for club and country, according to the report. His performances also helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals, where he contributed six goals while captaining the national side.
The competition for the men’s award included several leading names in world football. Kylian Mbappe finished second, followed by Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. Despite the strong competition, voters ultimately favoured Kane’s consistency and outstanding productivity over the season.
Putellas, meanwhile, received the women’s Ballon d’Or after helping Barcelona win a treble during the 2025-26 campaign, alongside the Spanish Super Cup. The Spanish international moved to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July after spending 14 years at Barcelona. Putellas paid tribute to her family, friends and teammates, crediting their support for helping her rediscover her best form following knee problems caused by a cruciate ligament injury in July 2022. She encouraged young players to pursue their dreams with love and passion, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Spain and Barcelona players also dominated the young talent categories. Yamal secured his third young player award, while Vicky Lopez won the women’s award for the second consecutive year. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching honour. Spain and Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon won the men’s goalkeeper award, with Barcelona’s Cata Coll claiming the women’s prize.
Paris Saint-Germain was named men’s club of the year, while Barcelona received the women’s club honour. Kane also won the men’s striker of the year award, while Charlyn Corral was recognised as the leading women’s striker.
Complete list of winners
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona and Spain)
Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain)
Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky López (Barcelona and Spain)
Women’s goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona and Spain)
Men’s goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simón (Athletic Club and Spain)
The Gerd Muller Award
Men’s winner: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)
Women’s winner: Charlyn Cobral (Pachuca and Mexico)
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de La Fuente (Spain)
Socrates award: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal and England)
