Harry Kane wins 2025/26 Ballon d'Or in London, first English winner since 2001
Harry Kane was named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner in his hometown of London, becoming the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich and England striker earned the honor after scoring 73 goals across club and international play during the 2025/2026 season, the second-highest single-season total in history behind Lionel Messi's 82 in 2010/2011. Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in the voting. Kane is the fourth Bayern Munich player to win the trophy, the first since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981. In the women's category, Spain's Alexia Putellas reclaimed the award, winning for the third time after previous victories in 2021 and 2022.