Harry Kane Claims First Ballon d'Or; Alexia Putellas Secures Third Ballon d'Or Féminin in Spain-Focused Ceremony
Harry Kane captured the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or after a remarkable season with Bayern Munich. The 33-year-old England striker scored 61 goals across all competitions, including 36 in 31 Bundesliga matches. He also led England to its best World Cup finish in 60 years, guiding the team to third place as captain.
Emotional during his acceptance speech, Kane expressed gratitude toward his teammates and family while calling Bayern Munich an honor to represent. He edged out French captain Kylian Mbappé and Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal for the top prize. Yamal, despite not winning, secured his third consecutive Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21. Kane also received the Striker of the Year award alongside Mexico's Charlyn Corral.
Alexia Putellas Takes Home Third Ballon d'Or Féminin
On the women's side, Alexia Putellas claimed the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the third time in her career, returning after a two-year gap caused by an ACL injury. Now playing for London City Lionesses (previously Barcelona), she thanked her family and friends for their support during her recovery.
Putellas' victory came in a competitive field featuring Barcelona-heavy nominations, with five of the ten finalists from the club. Despite stiff competition from players like Manchester City's Khadija Bunny Shaw and Barcelona's Ewa Pajor, Putellas' impact on her team was decisive.
Spain Dominates Awards Night
The ceremony, held at the London Palladium, was delayed by 45 minutes and stretched longer than expected, leading to some audience frustration. A premature leak on the official Ballon d'Or website revealed possible winners hours before the event, but those posts were quickly removed.
Spanish talent dominated the night: eight of the twelve awardees were linked to La Liga clubs, La Liga F teams, or the Spanish national squads. FC Barcelona was named best women’s club, with goalkeeper Cata Coll, coach Pere Romeu, and young star Vicky López all receiving honors. Spain’s men’s national team, fresh off their second World Cup title, was well represented with coach Luis de la Fuente and goalkeeper Unai Simón also awarded.
Other Notable Mentions
- Rose Lavelle, representing the U.S. women’s national team and Gotham FC, placed 27th out of 30 nominees.
- Nineteen-year-old Lily Yohannes of OL Lyon was among five finalists for the Young Talent award but lost to Barcelona’s Vicky López, who won the Kopa Trophy again.
- Two NWSL forwards, Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current) and Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), finished 10th and 18th respectively.
- Lionel Messi earned fifth place in what might be his last Ballon d'Or nomination following his international retirement; he holds a record eight wins.
- Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper and World Cup fan favorite, was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year but lost to Unai Simón.
Full Ballon d'Or Award Winners
- Young Talent: Vicky López (Barcelona, Spain), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona Femení), Luis de la Fuente (Spain men’s national team)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona, Spain), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
- Club of the Year: FC Barcelona (women’s), Paris Saint-Germain (men’s)
- Top Scorer: Charlyn Corral (CF Pachuca, Mexico), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Ballon d'Or Féminin: Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses, Spain)
- Ballon d'Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
