Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas win Ballon d'Or despite premature leak

Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas won the 2026 Ballon d'Or and Ballon d'Or Feminin, but their historic victories were overshadowed by a leak that prematurely revealed results hours before the ceremony. Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the men's award, while Putellas made history as the first three-time women's winner. The official Ballon d'Or website mistakenly published pre-prepared articles claiming several different nominees had won, prompting an apology from organizers. The leak affected both categories, with profiles for nominees like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé also going live early. Organizers said the articles were prepared for all nominees and did not indicate final results. Putellas used her speech to encourage young players, while Kane thanked supporters and received praise from Thierry Henry.