Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or in London; Putellas takes women's award
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or at the ceremony in London, beating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to be named the world's best male footballer. Alexia Putellas won the women's award for the third time. Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, gave an emotional speech thanking his family, coach Vincent Kompany, and his former club Tottenham Hotspur. Mbappé finished second, while Yamal had to settle for the Young Player Award. Barcelona dominated the other prizes, including Team of the Year for their women's side. The ceremony at the Palladium Theatre was delayed by 30 minutes due to traffic. Spain's Luis de la Fuente was named best men's coach, and Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work.