Harry Kane Wins 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or, Ending England's 25-Year Drought
Harry Kane won the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first English recipient of the award since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich striker's victory ended a 25-year wait for England. Kane's triumph was driven by a remarkable 73 goals for club and country during the 2025-26 season, the second-highest single-season total in European top-five league history. He also contributed significantly as a playmaker, creating numerous chances for teammates. The race was highly competitive, with Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé also among the finalists. Yamal, who finished as runner-up, remains eligible for future awards as no player under 21 has ever won the honor.