27 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, bringing an end to England’s 25-year wait for football’s prestigious individual award. Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, making the two stars the headline winners at the ceremony held at London’s Palladium Theatre on October 26.
Kane, the England captain and Bayern Munich striker, received the men’s honour after an outstanding 2025–26 season for club and country. His victory puts him among the small group of English players to have won the award and makes him the first Englishman to claim it since Michael Owen in 2001.
The 33-year-old finished ahead of fellow contenders Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. Kane’s achievement reflects a season in which his goal-scoring record and contributions to his teams helped establish him as one of the leading players in world football.
Harry Kane’s Record-Breaking Season
Kane delivered a prolific campaign for Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for the German club. His performances helped Bayern secure a domestic league and cup double, adding major team honours to his individual achievements.
His impact was not limited to club football. Kane also captained England during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring six goals as the national side reached the semi-finals. His performances on the international stage strengthened his case for the award and added to an already impressive season.
Including his goals for England, Kane finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country, according to reports following the ceremony. The numbers underlined his consistency as a goalscorer and his ability to contribute across different competitions.
Speaking after receiving the trophy, Kane expressed his excitement and thanked those who voted for him. He also acknowledged the quality of the other nominees, describing the competition as difficult because of the number of world-class players involved.
For Kane, the award marks a significant milestone in a career that has included years of high-level performances in English and German football. His move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich in 2023 brought him into a team competing regularly for major trophies. The 2025–26 season combined that team success with an exceptional individual scoring record.
Alexia Putellas Wins Women’s Ballon d’Or
In the women’s category, Spain international Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the third time. The midfielder had previously received the award in 2021 and 2022, and her latest victory returns her to the top of the individual honours in women’s football.
Putellas was recognised after helping Barcelona enjoy a successful 2025–26 campaign, including a treble and the Spanish Super Cup. Her contribution to the club’s achievements strengthened her position among the leading players in the women’s game.
She reclaimed the award from Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmatí, who had won the previous editions. Putellas’ third triumph places her alongside Bonmatí in the record for the most Women’s Ballon d’Or wins.
Putellas spent 14 years at Barcelona before moving to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July 2026. Her performances during the season under consideration, particularly during Barcelona’s successful campaign, were central to her recognition.
The women’s award also continued Spain’s strong run in the category, with a Spanish player winning the honour for the sixth consecutive year.
Other Major Winners at the Ceremony
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony also recognised achievements across men’s and women’s football. Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won the men’s young talent award, the Kopa Trophy, for a third consecutive year. Vicky López received the corresponding women’s young talent award.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching honour. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the men’s goalkeeper award, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll received the women’s goalkeeper prize.
Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award. England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work.
The ceremony was held in London for the first time, marking the 70th anniversary of the award’s introduction in 1956. Sir Stanley Matthews was the inaugural winner.
A Landmark Night for English and Spanish Football
Kane’s victory represents a major individual achievement for English football, ending a quarter-century gap since Owen’s win in 2001. It also rewards a season in which Kane combined high scoring numbers with domestic trophies and a strong World Cup campaign.
Putellas’ third award, meanwhile, adds another milestone to her career and highlights Spain’s continuing influence in women’s football. Together, their victories defined an awards night that celebrated individual performances alongside the achievements of clubs and national teams.