Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or After Record-Breaking Bayern Munich Season

Harry Kane achieved a major milestone in his football career on October 26, 2026, winning the Ballon d’Or after an exceptional season with Bayern Munich and England. His record-breaking performances strengthened his reputation as one of football’s leading goalscorers.

Harry becomes the first English player in 25 years to receive the prestigious award, following Michael Owen’s win in 2001. The achievement marks a significant moment for English football and recognizes Kane’s outstanding contributions to the game.

"Wow, wow, wow!" Harry said after taking the stage. "I am almost ⁠speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. It's a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.

"Some world-class players in ‌ the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve."

Key Highlights:

• Harry Kane wins the Ballon d’Or after a record-breaking season with Bayern Munich and England
• Harry scored 61 goals for Bayern Munich, helping the club secure a domestic double
• Alexia Putellas wins the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third time after a successful season with Barcelona

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or ‌Feminin for the third time. When Harry joined Bayern in 2023, it was with the aim of the club winning trophies which they have long been lacking. He paired the success with goal scoring in 2025-26, making him one of the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or.

The England captain had his most successful season ever, netting 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern in all competitions during the club’s double-winning campaign.

At the end of the season, Harry had become the top goal scorer in Europe and his finishing had been on display in every game.

He had a much wider influence than just in club football. Harry was once again the hero for England as they sought to break a string of World Cup woes after three decades as they tried a third time.

With his clinical finishing and leadership and composure, he led England to the semi-finals, scoring six goals throughout his time in the tournament.

The award is in many respects the end of an amazing journey. Few players have had a career journey like Kane's.

Having failed to break into the first team at Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster, after spending time on loan, he went on to become one of the most versatile centre forwards of his generation – capable of all manner of goals, but also making himself available as a playmaker.

The Ballon d'Or has been a prize that has been handed out to those who excel through creativity and display, but Kane's victory is a testament to his consistency, intelligence and productivity on a level that is truly outstanding.

He was consistent in his work on a weekly basis. He was a match decision maker from contest to contest. No long periods of restlessness and few quiet nights.

Harry ended the season with 73 goals for club and country, which is an uncommon number in today's era. But most importantly, those goals came at a pivotal time and, as a result, Bayern won trophies and England advanced to the biggest tournament in the sport.

The competition to win this year's award was tough. Kylian Mbappe set World Cup scoring records. Lamine Yamal helped ⁠Spain to World Cup glory. But voters had other choices, and voters ultimately went for Kane, who was excellent throughout the season.

The 33-year-old Kane has finally been awarded the highest individual accolade in football – a Ballon d'Or – and now joins the pantheon of the greatest strikers in the sport, England's top goalscorer and World Cup record keeper.

Putellas received the treble with Barcelona in the 2025-26 campaign, as well as the Spanish Super Cup, and was presented with the women's award. In July, she signed with Women's Super League outfit London City Lionesses after 14 years at Barca.