Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending England's 25-year drought
What's new: The Bayern Munich striker became the first English men's winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim men's soccer's top individual award. The Bayern Munich forward had been widely backed after a standout year and was named on the 30-man shortlist before the winner was revealed Monday. Kane, 33, ended a run dating to Michael Owen's 2001 victory, giving England its first men's winner since then. BBC Sport had described Kane as the frontrunner after his latest strong display for Bayern, while Sky Sports quoted Gary Neville praising his professionalism and work ethic after the award. ABC News also reported that Alexia Putellas won the women's 2026 Ballon d'Or.