Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas were crowned the world’s best footballers at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium. Kane won the men’s award for the first time, becoming the first Englishman to claim the prestigious honour since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane earned the award after an outstanding season with Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country. He finished ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the men’s voting, capping a remarkable campaign for the England captain.
Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022. Her achievement highlighted another successful chapter in her career, as the ceremony celebrated football’s finest performers. The historic London event delivered a memorable night for both winners and their supporters.
