Harry Kane has won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to receive football’s most prestigious individual honour, while Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year at Monday’s ceremony in London.
Kane, the Bayern Munich striker and England captain, claimed the award after a prolific season in which he reportedly scored 73 goals in 65 matches, putting him ahead of fellow contenders Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
The 2026 ceremony took place at the London Palladium, marking the first time the prestigious awards event was held in the British capital.
Kane’s triumph ends England’s long wait for another men’s Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen received the award in 2001.
His achievement also adds to a career defined by prolific goalscoring at club and international levels.
The Bayern Munich forward’s recognition reflects his individual performances during the award’s assessment period and his consistency in front of goal.
His scoring record placed him among the leading contenders in a closely watched race that attracted global attention.
The outcome followed confusion earlier in the day after the Ballon d’Or website mistakenly published separate articles naming Kane, Mbappé and Yamal as winners.
The articles were removed, and the organisers clarified that the profiles had been prepared in advance for nominees and were published inadvertently.
The organisers said the prematurely published articles should not be taken as an indication of the final results or rankings.
Meanwhile, De la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award after guiding Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
His recognition added to a successful period for the national team, which also won the 2023 UEFA Nations League and the 2024 European Championship under his leadership.
De la Fuente was recognised for building a side that combines experienced players with emerging talents and has maintained a competitive edge in international football.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, extending his run of success in the category.
The young Spanish international has continued to attract attention for his creativity, dribbling and influence in attacking positions.
Other winners included Alexia Putellas, who claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or, while Barcelona coach Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year award.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year honour, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed the women’s equivalent.
Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his charitable work.
Kane’s victory places him among the small group of English players to have won the award and marks a major milestone for English football.
