Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas Win 2026 Ballon d'Or Awards

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men's Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in London on Monday, France 24 and Al Jazeera reported. Kane is the first Englishman to receive the award in 25 years, following Michael Owen's victory in 2001, according to Al Jazeera. In the women's category, Spain's Alexia Putellas claimed her third crown after helping Barcelona win the Champions League, ending her teammate Aitana Bonmati's three-year reign, France 24 said. [1][2][4]

Kane secured the award after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, France 24 reported. The England captain broke scoring records in Germany and led his national team to a third-place finish at the World Cup, France 24 added. According to Al Jazeera, Kane exclaimed "Wow, wow, wow!" upon taking the stage to collect the honour on Monday evening. [1][2]

Prior to the ceremony in London, the race for the award included Spain's Lamine Yamal and France's Kylian Mbappe alongside Kane, Al Jazeera reported. It was the first time that the gala was hosted in Britain, Al Jazeera noted. [4]

Kane plays as a striker for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and captains the England national team. He was born on 28 July 1993 in London, England, and grew up in the Chingford area, starting his youth career before establishing himself at Tottenham Hotspur and eventually joining Bayern Munich. [10][13]