Harry Kane has secured the Ballon d’Or, marking the first time an English player has won the prestigious individual honor in a quarter of a century. The Bayern Munich striker finished his record-breaking 2025-26 campaign with 73 goals across all competitions, leading voters to choose his consistent excellence over other high-profile contenders.
Record-Breaking Season for Bayern Munich
Kane, 33, scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, helping the German club secure a domestic league and cup double. His output made him Europe’s leading goalscorer and cemented his status as one of the game’s most prolific finishers. The award represents the culmination of a career that saw him evolve from a young Tottenham Hotspur prospect into a complete forward capable of scoring every type of goal.
His influence extended beyond club football. As England captain, Kane scored six goals during the recent World Cup, guiding the team to the semifinals. He finished the entire campaign with 73 goals for club and country, a total rarely seen in the modern era. Voters selected Kane despite fierce competition from Kylian Mbappe, who broke World Cup scoring records, and Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain win the tournament.
“Wow, wow, wow!” Kane said after taking the stage in London. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.”
Putellas Takes Women’s Award
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third time. She secured the award after leading Barcelona to a treble in the 2025-26 campaign, in addition to winning the Spanish Super Cup. Putellas moved to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July, ending a 14-year stint at the Spanish club.
Kane’s triumph ends a long wait for English football. Michael Owen was the last Englishman to win the award in 2001. Kane’s achievement adds a major individual trophy to his legacy as England’s all-time leading marksman and their record World Cup scorer. His move to Bayern Munich in 2023 brought the team trophies that had previously eluded him, combining silverware with the goalscoring numbers that made him the leading candidate for this year’s honor.
Source: Al Jazeera
