Ballon D’or 2026: Harry Kane becomes first English man to win award in 25 years

Harry Kane made history on Monday night in London when became the first English man to win the Ballon D'or in 25 years, after being crowned the best men's player 2026.

No English player had won the award since Michael Owen in 2001, but that dry run ended when the Bayern Munich striker was announced winner to a roar at the Palladium Theatre, ahead of Kylian Mbape (France) and Lamine Yamal (Spain).

Kane's award came on the back of an iconic season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country, leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title and England to a third place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"I am almost speechless," the England captain and Bayern Munich striker said. "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.

"Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve."

This is only the fifth time in the past 20 years that the Ballon d'Or has not gone to a player who has won either the World Cup, the Champions League or a European Championship/Copa America - with Kane joining Lionel Messi (three times) and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ballon d'Or was only available to European players from its formation in 1956 until 1995 when it was opened up to everyone.

Since then in four of the seven World Cup years, the Ballon d'Or has been awarded to a world champion - including Messi in 2023 (as the 2022 World Cup was in the winter).

However, that was the first time since 2006 it had happened, with Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric all winning since then despite not winning the World Cup that year.