Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is the 2026 Ballon’d Or winner while London City midfielder Alexia Putellas of Spain claimed her record-tying third Ballon d’Or Feminin on the women’s side.
It is the first time in a quarter-century that the men’s Ballon d’Or winner is an Englishman.
The Bundesliga’s top scorer for three years running, Kane has been unstoppable in front of goal. The 33-year-old London native scored 36 league goals last season, adding 14 in the Champions League and another two in domestic competitions. Adding in his England production, Kane notched 64 goals on the year.
This marks the fifth straight season in which Kane has received votes for the prize, given out by French publication France Football. He finished 21st in 2022 before a 19th-place finish in 2023. His previous best finish came in 2024 at 10th. Last season, Kane finished 13th.
Kane becomes the fifth English player to win the award and first since Liverpool’s Michael Owen in 2001. Along with Owen, he joins Hamburg’s Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), Bobby Charlton of Manchester United (1966) and inaugural winner Stanley Matthews of Blackpool (1956) as England-born winners.
Kane has 10 goals across all competitions, thus far, in 2026-2027.
Putellas wins record-tying third Ballon’d Or Feminin
Putellas, 32, won a record-tying third prize on Monday. The London City midfielder ends Spain teammate Aitana Bonmati’s run of three straight wins. The Mollet del Vallès native previously claimed the award in 2021 and 2022. Putellas becomes the first woman to win the prize while playing for a Women’s Super League side.
Putellas joined London City on a free transfer from Barcelona after 14 seasons and 350 league appearances with the team. At Barca, Putellas won 10 league titles, 10 Copas de la Reina and four Champions League crowns.
Over the voting period for the 2026 award, Putellas registered 26 goals and 15 assists in 53 matches played with Barca claiming a league title, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League title. Putellas also won the UEFA Nations League title with Spain. La Roja defeated Germany 3-0 in the final last December with Putellas winning Player of the Match.
Established only in 2019, the Lionesses are currently playing in the WSL for the first time after promotion from the Championship. In doing so, London City became the first independent team to reach the top flight. Among the other well-known names on the current squad are former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, France forward Delphine Cascarino and Netherlands midfielder Danielle van de Donk.
Putellas has three goals and an assist through seven league matches. The Lionesses currently sit third in the table on 16 points, three points behind both leaders Chelsea and second-place Manchester City.