Harry Kane wins football’s biggest individual prize as Alexia Putellas claims historic third women’s award
Monday, October 26, 2026 · The London Palladium · London, England
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony delivered two major headlines on Monday night.
Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career, while Alexia Putellas captured her third Women’s Ballon d’Or.
The ceremony took place in London for the first time in the award’s history, celebrating seven decades of football excellence.
Kane’s victory capped a remarkable season with Bayern Munich and England.
The England captain scored 61 goals for Bayern during the 2025–26 campaign and finished with 73 goals across club and international appearances, establishing himself as the standout men’s player of the year.
Men’s Ballon d’Or — Final Top Five
1. Harry Kane
England · Bayern Munich
Kane’s prolific scoring season and Bayern’s domestic double powered him to his first Ballon d’Or.
He became the first English men’s winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
2. Kylian Mbappé
France · Real Madrid
Mbappé finished runner-up after another outstanding scoring campaign.
3. Lamine Yamal
Spain · Barcelona
Yamal finished third and won the men’s Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year.
4. Rodri
Spain · Manchester City/Barcelona
Rodri placed fourth in the final men’s ranking.
5. Lionel Messi
Argentina · Inter Miami
Messi rounded out the top five.
Women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas
Spain · Barcelona / London City Lionesses
Putellas claimed her third Women’s Ballon d’Or, adding to her victories in 2021 and 2022.
Her season included major success with Barcelona before her move to London City Lionesses.
The award extended Spain’s remarkable run of six consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or winners.
Other Major Award Winners
Men’s Kopa Trophy Lamine Yamal
Women’s Kopa Trophy Vicky López
Men’s Yashin Trophy Unai Simón
Women’s Yashin Trophy Cata Coll
Men’s Coach of the Year Luis de la Fuente
Women’s Coach of the Year Pere Romeu
Men’s Club of the Year Paris Saint-Germain
Women’s Club of the Year Barcelona
Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy Harry Kane
Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy Charlyn Corral
Sócrates Award Bukayo Saka
Three Major Takeaways
Kane reaches the summit. His first Ballon d’Or recognizes an exceptional scoring campaign and his influence for Bayern Munich and England.
Putellas reclaims the spotlight. Her third award reinforces her standing among the most decorated players in women’s football.
Young stars continue to rise. Yamal and Vicky López collected the Kopa Trophies, highlighting Barcelona’s continuing influence on the global game
Final Verdict
The 2026 Ballon d’Or celebrated individual brilliance, consistency and achievement across club and international football.
Kane’s breakthrough victory was the night’s headline moment, while Putellas added another landmark to her career.
With the ceremony marking the award’s 70th anniversary and taking place outside France for the first time, London provided a fitting stage for a memorable night in world football.
