Harry Kane has become the first English winner of the Ballon d’Or in 25 years after being honoured at a ceremony in London.
Michael Owen was the last player from England to receive the prestigious individual accolade in 2001, but Kane’s incredible 73-goal haul last season for club and country earned him the award from French magazine France Football.
There was chaos just hours before the ceremony as the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Lamine Yamal and Mbappe as the winner of the 2026 men’s award.
Then, in a further twist, the ceremony was delayed by 45 minutes to an 8.45pm start due to the London traffic.
Bayern Munich forward Kane was a popular winner in the British capital and has followed in the footsteps of Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen as a Ballon d’Or winner from England.
Kane beat Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal to the award.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless,” an emotional Kane said on stage. “First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event. Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.”
Kane, who thanked England, Bayern and former club Tottenham, said: “It’s just the journey. For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible.
“I hope my journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration, and thank you very much.”
In a later press conference, Kane added: “My heart was beating fast and I was just hoping that (Ronaldo, who presented the award) would say my name. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.
“I’m lucky and blessed to be surrounded by incredible players, incredible people, both with the national team and with Bayern Munich. When you have players like Michael (Olise) around you, Lucho (Luis Diaz) and these guys, Bukayo (Saka) and Jude (Bellingham) and all the top, top players assisting me and putting me in positions and dragging defenders away, they obviously allow me to then express myself. As much as this is an individual award, I’ll give thanks to them because it wouldn’t be possible without any of them and that’s what makes a team.”
England’s Wembley arch and Bayern’s Allianz Arena were lit up in Kane’s honour, with head coach Thomas Tuchel leading the tributes.
“Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon d’Or!” said Tuchel.
“I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.
“To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.
“I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.’
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher on Kane’s Ballon d’Or win:
“Absolutely delighted. What a career he’s had, what a player he is, and as a country, we haven’t got enough Ballon d’Or winners.
“It’s certainly been a long time. My former team-mate Michael Owen was the last to win it in 2001, so it’s been a long wait.
“But in terms of Harry Kane, and I think Jude Bellingham, who’s going to be a future Ballon d’Or winner, we do have two of the greatest players of their era.
“I’m delighted for Kane and the country.”
On the importance of his move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in winning the Ballon d’Or: “It’s a move he needed to make.
“I thought he might be obsessed with the Premier League goalscoring record, but he’s obsessed with goalscoring records, not just that one.
“But it also gives him a great chance of winning the Champions League and being involved in Ballon d’Or selections.
“There’s no way Harry Kane could’ve won the Ballon d’Or if he was playing for Tottenham.”
Prince William, patron of the Football Association, also sent his congratulations.
“What a fantastic achievement and so deserved,” the Prince of Wales wrote on Instagram.
“A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments.”
Men’s 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings in full
1) Harry Kane – Bayern Munich & England
2) Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France
3) Lamine Yamal – Barcelona – Spain
4) Rodri – Man City/Barcelona & Spain
5) Lionel Messi – Inter Miami & Argentina
6) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG & Georgia
7) Ousmane Dembele – PSG & France
8) Erling Haaland – Man City & Norway
9) Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France
10) Fabian Ruiz – PSG & Spain
11) Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England
12) Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona & Spain
13) Achraf Hakimi – PSG & Morocco
14) Vitinha – PSG & Portugal
15) Declan Rice – Arsenal & England
16) Ferran Torres – Barcelona/PSG & Spain
17) Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid & Brazil
18) Marc Cucurella – Chelsea/Real Madrid & Spain
19) Joao Neves – PSG & Portugal
20) Willian Pacho – PSG & Ecuador
21) Gabriel – Arsenal & Brazil
22) Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan & Argentina
23) Nuno Mendes – PSG & Portugal
24) Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich & Colombia
25) Marquinhos – PSG & Brazil
26) Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich & France
27) Bruno Fernandes – Man Utd & Portugal
28) Julian Quinones – Al Qadsiah & Mexico
=29) William Saliba – Arsenal & France
=29) Sadio Mane – Al Nassr & Senegal
