England striker Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Monday, capping an outstanding season with Bayern Munich and the England national team. He becomes the first English player to win the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.

The 33-year-old striker scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025–2026 season, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). His performances helped Bayern Munich achieve success in Germany and contributed to England’s run to third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kane finished ahead of French forward Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal, who came third. The ceremony took place at the London Palladium, marking the first time the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony was held in England.

“I’m almost speechless,” Kane said after receiving the trophy, according to reports from British media. He also thanked his teammates, coaches and the voters who supported his candidacy.

Kane joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 and has established himself as one of European football’s leading goalscorers. His consistency in front of goal and performances for the German club strengthened his position among the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award.

The Ballon d’Or is awarded by France Football, with an international panel of journalists assessing players according to established criteria.

Kane joins a distinguished group of English winners that includes Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.

In the women’s category, Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed the Ballon d’Or for the third time, following her victories in 2021 and 2022.

Kane’s triumph marks a major milestone in his career and ends a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or.