Harry Kane wins first Ballon d’Or after record season with Bayern and England

Harry Kane has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time, becoming the first English player to receive football’s leading individual award since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich and England striker was presented with the prize at a ceremony at London’s Palladium on Monday. DW reported that Kane scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025-26 season, helping Bayern secure a German league and cup double.

Kane, 33, also led England to the World Cup semi-finals, the country’s best finish since its 1966 triumph, according to DW. He has been the Bundesliga’s leading scorer for three consecutive seasons and was Europe’s top club goalscorer in the campaign judged for the award. His victory ended Bayern’s wait for another Ballon d’Or winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the honour in 1981.

It also gave the Bundesliga a winner after a period in which, as DW noted, the prize has been dominated by players based in England or Spain, apart from notable exceptions including Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembélé and Kaká. Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, while Barcelona and Spain teenager Lamine Yamal placed third in the ranking described by DW. The reports present Kane’s goal total as the central basis for his case, but also highlight his wider contribution as a passer and leader.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said Kane’s football intelligence and other qualities had been underestimated during his years in England. Teammate Serge Gnabry praised his attitude and leadership, while England coach Thomas Tuchel described him as a complete forward. DW also pointed to a penalty and an assist in Bayern’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal as examples of his all-round play.

Kane thanked his Bayern teammates during his acceptance speech and paid tribute to Tottenham Hotspur, the club he joined at 11, as well as England, his family and his wife, Kate. He said his path had included loan spells and setbacks before reaching the top, and encouraged young players to pursue their ambitions despite an uneven route. The women’s Ballon d’Or went to Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas for the third time.

Putellas, 32, was recognised after helping Barcelona win a treble and the Champions League, contributing 21 goals across all competitions and seven Champions League goals with seven assists. Her award ended Aitana Bonmatí’s run of three consecutive victories. Other winners included Yamal and Barcelona teammate Vicky Lopez, who retained the men’s and women’s Kopa Trophies.

Spain’s Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the coaching awards, while Unai Simón and Cata Coll received the men’s and women’s Yashin Trophies. Barcelona was named women’s club of the year and Paris Saint-Germain won the men’s award.