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Harry Kane Claims First Ballon d'Or as Alexia Putellas Wins Third Ballon d'Or Féminin in Spain-Dominated Ceremony

Harry Kane captured the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season with Bayern Munich. The 33-year-old striker scored 61 goals across all competitions, including 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches. His leadership helped England reach third place at the World Cup, their best finish in 60 years.

At the London Palladium on Monday, Kane expressed emotion receiving the award for the first time. "I’m almost speechless," he said, thanking his teammates and family, calling Bayern Munich an honor to represent.

Kane edged out French captain Kylian Mbappé and rising Spanish star Lamine Yamal. Yamal, who finished third this year and second last year, earned his third consecutive Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. Kane also took home the Striker of the Year award alongside Mexico’s Charlyn Corral.

Alexia Putellas Takes Third Ballon d’Or Féminin

The women’s Ballon d’Or went to Alexia Putellas, marking her third win after titles in 2021 and 2022. Now playing for London City Lionesses (formerly Barcelona) and the Spanish national team, Putellas overcame an ACL injury that sidelined her for nearly two years.

Putellas highlighted the strong presence of Barcelona players among the finalists — five out of ten finalists came from Barça. She thanked her family and friends for supporting her recovery. "I had a tough time and had to learn to walk again on my knee, but you were all there to help me enjoy the sport again," she said.

Other contenders included Manchester City’s Jamaican forward Khadija Bunny Shaw and Polish striker Ewa Pajor of Barcelona, but Putellas' influence in a powerful Barcelona squad kept the trophy in Spanish hands.

A Lengthy Ceremony Marked by Delays and a Spanish Sweep

The event was delayed by 45 minutes and stretched longer than expected. Audience frustration grew, especially when a commercial break before the women’s award caused audible boos. The ceremony also faced a hiccup when the official Ballon d’Or website prematurely posted articles naming Kane, Yamal, and Mbappé as winners—drafts that were deleted before the announcement.

Spanish football dominated the night with eight of twelve awards connected to La Liga clubs, La Liga F teams, or Spain’s national sides. Besides Putellas, FC Barcelona won Best Women’s Club. Goalkeeper Cata Coll, coach Pere Romeu, and young talent Vicky López also received awards.

The Spanish men’s national team, fresh off their second World Cup title this summer, saw coach Luis de la Fuente and goalkeeper Unai Simón honored alongside Yamal.

US Representation and Other Notable Mentions

Rose Lavelle, midfielder for the U.S. Women’s National Team and Gotham FC, placed 27th out of 30 nominees—the only American finalist. Another USWNT player, 19-year-old OL Lyon midfielder Lily Yohannes, was among five candidates for the Young Talent award but lost to Barcelona's Vicky López, who claimed the Kopa Trophy for the second straight year.

NWSL forwards Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current) and Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride) finished 10th and 18th respectively.

Lionel Messi finished fifth in the men’s voting, likely marking his final Ballon d’Or nomination after retiring from international play. Messi holds a record eight Ballon d’Or titles since his first in 2009.

Goalkeeper Vozinha from Cape Verde, a fan favorite during the World Cup at age 40, was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year but lost to Spain’s Unai Simón.

Complete List of Ballon d’Or Winners

  • Young Talent: Vicky López (Barcelona, Spain), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona Femení), Luis de la Fuente (Spain men’s national team)
  • Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona, Spain), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
  • Club of the Year: FC Barcelona (women’s), Paris Saint-Germain (men’s)
  • Top Scorer: Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca, Mexico), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
  • Ballon d’Or Féminin: Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses, Spain)
  • Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

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