Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or, ending England’s 25-year wait
What’s new: The Bayern Munich striker beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal after scoring 73 goals in 2025-26.
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or in London on Monday, becoming the first English player to claim the men’s award since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Kane is the fifth English winner of the prize and capped the honor after a prolific 2025-26 season for club and country. Republika reported he scored 73 goals across the campaign, with 61 for Bayern and 12 for England. He also helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and the German Cup, while England made a deep run at the 2026 World Cup. At the ceremony, Kane said winning in London made the moment feel even more special.