Harry Kane wins the Ballon d’Or 2026 – ahead of Yamal and Mbappé

The 33-year-old English striker Harry Kane had no choice! – After always being a top five goalscorer year in and year out for Tottenham, he had to switch to a club that actually took trophies to be named the best player in the world. – Then in the summer of 2023, Harry Kane went to Bayern Munich and a season later the trophies started coming.

Harry Kane has been named the winner of the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or after an incredible year in front of goal for Bayern Munich and England.

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Kane’s triumph at the ceremony in London marks the end of a 25-year wait for a British Ballon d’Or winner. Michael Owen was the last Englishman to lift the prestigious trophy, in 2001.

The Three Lions’ big star did what he does best throughout the 2025/26 season: score goals. Kane banged in 73 goals for club and country as Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title and England reached the World Cup semi-finals.

A touched Kane thanked everyone

An emotional Kane kept his mask as he thanked everyone who helped him to the top of the game. The 33-year-old was quick to thank the organisers – and wished his ailing manager Vincent Kompany a speedy recovery.

“Wow. I’m speechless. Luckily, I have this list here. Thank you to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for hosting this amazing event. Being in London is extra special – it felt like a good sign for me tonight.

To Vincent Kompany: I think he’s still in the hospital and I hope he’s fine. I hope this has given him some energy.”

The English striker also made sure to mention his old club Tottenham – without the north Londoners, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

“I want to thank Tottenham Hotspur. I wouldn’t be here without Tottenham, that’s for sure. I’ve been there since I was 11 years old. All the guidance and support – you let me live my dream. All the ups and downs of that journey have brought me here today.”

Top 30 ranking in full

Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi were among those chasing Kane. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes finished in 27th place after breaking the Premier League record for assists. Ahead of him are several Arsenal and PSG players, who won the Premier League and Champions League respectively.

Ferran Torres, Spain’s World Cup-winning goalscorer, finished 16th – one place behind England’s Declan Rice. Fabian Ruiz, who won both the Champions League and the World Cup, just made it into the top ten.

Kane beat Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who had to settle for second place – but it is still his highest rating ever.