Harry Kane has become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Men's Ballon d'Or, while Alexia Putellas secured her third Women's Ballon d'Or. The 2026 ceremony in London celebrated two defining achievements in football, with Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Ewa Pajor and Khadija Shaw among the leading contenders.
Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in London on October 26, as football’s most prestigious individual awards recognised two exceptional careers.
Kane, the England captain and Bayern Munich striker, claimed his first Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English footballer to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. He finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who secured second and third place respectively.
In the women’s category, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas returned to the top of world football, winning her third Ballon d’Or after previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022. She finished ahead of Poland’s Ewa Pajor and Jamaica’s Khadija Shaw.
The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956, and was held in London for the first time.
Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Wait
For Kane, the award represents one of the most significant achievements of his professional career.
The Bayern Munich forward became the first English winner in a quarter of a century, joining an exclusive group that includes Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.
Kane’s victory followed a prolific 2025–26 campaign, during which his goalscoring performances helped establish him as one of Europe’s most influential attacking players.
His contributions to Bayern Munich’s domestic success, combined with his performances for England, strengthened his position among the leading contenders for the award.
The England captain also received the Gerd Müller Trophy for his goalscoring achievements.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kane expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career and acknowledged the significance of receiving the award in London.
His victory reflects a career defined by consistency, determination and the ability to perform at the highest level over an extended period.
Mbappé, Yamal and Messi Among the Leading Contenders
Kylian Mbappé finished second in the men’s rankings, continuing his presence among football’s leading individual performers.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal secured third place, further establishing himself as one of the sport’s most promising young players.
The Spanish international also won the men’s Kopa Trophy, recognising outstanding young talent.
Rodri finished fourth, while eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi claimed fifth place.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé followed in sixth and seventh positions, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Fabián Ruiz completed the top 10.
2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or: Official Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid |
| 3 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
| 4 | Rodri | Manchester City / Barcelona |
| 5 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami |
| 6 | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 7 | Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 8 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| 9 | Michael Olise | Bayern Munich |
| 10 | Fabián Ruiz | Paris Saint-Germain |
Alexia Putellas Returns to the Summit of Women’s Football
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas claimed her third Ballon d’Or, adding another major individual achievement to her career.
The Spanish midfielder previously won consecutive awards in 2021 and 2022 before compatriot Aitana Bonmatí secured three successive titles from 2023 to 2025.
Putellas’ latest victory brings her level with Bonmatí on three Women’s Ballon d’Or awards, the highest total since the women’s prize was introduced in 2018.
Her achievement also extends the remarkable success of Spanish footballers in the competition, with a Spanish player winning the women’s award for six consecutive years.
The 2026 recognition followed an important season in Putellas’ career, including her final campaign with Barcelona before joining London City Lionesses.
Her return to the top of the rankings underlines her continued influence and standing within women’s football.
Ewa Pajor and Khadija Shaw Complete the Women’s Podium
Polish striker Ewa Pajor finished second in the women’s rankings, following another notable season with Barcelona.
Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw secured third place, recognising her continued impact at club and international level.
Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay finished fourth, while Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro completed the top five.
Caroline Graham Hansen, Pernille Harder, Clàudia Pina, Alessia Russo and Temwa Chawinga occupied the remaining positions in the top 10.
The rankings reflect the growing international reach of women’s football, with players from Europe, the Caribbean and Africa represented among the leading contenders.
2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or: Official Top 10 Rankings
| Rank | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexia Putellas | Barcelona / London City Lionesses |
| 2 | Ewa Pajor | Barcelona |
| 3 | Khadija Shaw | Manchester City |
| 4 | Melchie Dumornay | OL Lyonnes |
| 5 | Patri Guijarro | Barcelona |
| 6 | Caroline Graham Hansen | Barcelona |
| 7 | Pernille Harder | Bayern Munich |
| 8 | Clàudia Pina | Barcelona |
| 9 | Alessia Russo | Arsenal |
| 10 | Temwa Chawinga | Kansas City Current |
Other Major Winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Beyond the two principal awards, the ceremony recognised achievements across several categories.
Lamine Yamal received the men’s young player award, while Barcelona’s Vicky López claimed the corresponding women’s honour.
Unai Simón of Athletic Club was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, with Barcelona’s Cata Coll receiving the women’s award.
Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente received the men’s coaching honour, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s coaching award.
Paris Saint-Germain was recognised as Men’s Club of the Year, with Barcelona receiving Women’s Club of the Year.
The ceremony also honoured Bukayo Saka with the Sócrates Award for his contribution to social initiatives.
A Landmark Celebration of Football Excellence
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony carried additional significance as the award celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The decision to stage the event in London paid tribute to the competition’s origins and its first winner, English footballer Stanley Matthews, who received the inaugural award in 1956.
Seven decades later, another English footballer stood at the centre of the celebrations.
For Kane, the award marked the culmination of years of consistent performances and dedication. For Putellas, it represented a return to the summit of women’s football and further strengthened her legacy as one of the game’s most accomplished players.
Together, their victories made the 2026 Ballon d’Or a celebration of sustained excellence, resilience and the achievements that define careers at the highest level of international sport.
Sources: Ballon d’Or Official Website; UEFA; Sky Sports
