Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d'Or to Make History as First Englishman Since 2001
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first English player to receive the prestigious football award since Michael Owen in 2001 following a record-breaking season.
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim the prestigious football award since Michael Owen in 2001. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker reflected on his journey to the top of world football, acknowledging the self-belief and perseverance required to reach this milestone. "Not many people would have thought this would happen, and maybe even I wouldn't have believed I would come this far," Kane said after receiving the award on Monday. "I went through many ups and downs, especially at the start of my career. I was never the person people thought would become a superstar." Kane secured the prize following an exceptional 2025-26 season, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich—a club record for a single season—along with 12 goals for the England national team, totaling 73 goals in 65 games.
His remarkable campaign included finishing as the Bundesliga top scorer with 36 goals, a 17-goal margin ahead of any other player, and netting 14 times in the Champions League, where Bayern reached the semifinals. He also scored ten goals in the German Cup, including a hat-trick in the final against Stuttgart, securing the domestic double. Kylian Mbappe finished second in the voting, while Lamine Yamal, who won the young player of the year award, placed third. England manager Thomas Tuchel and Prince William both praised Kane for his historic achievement, while Wembley Stadium's arches were illuminated in gold to honor the captain.
