Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season for Bayern Munich and England, becoming the first Englishman to claim the prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

According to a report by Sky Sports on Monday, 26 October 2026, the Bayern Munich striker secured the honour after scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.

The 33-year-old finished ahead of Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe, both of whom were among the leading contenders for the award.

Kane’s triumph ends a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or, marking a significant milestone for English football and the striker’s individual career.

His impressive goalscoring record played a major role in his success, with his performances helping Bayern Munich secure domestic silverware.

Beyond his finishing ability, Kane also demonstrated his quality through his movement, link-up play and leadership throughout the season.

The award represents another major achievement for a player whose career has undergone a remarkable transformation since leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich.

During his time at Tottenham, Kane established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards but left the north London club without winning a major trophy.

His move to Germany provided a fresh opportunity to compete for silverware while maintaining his exceptional goalscoring standards.

Kane’s success in 2026 reflects both his consistency in front of goal and his influence on Bayern Munich’s attacking play.

Yamal also enjoyed an impressive campaign for Barcelona, strengthening his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents.

Meanwhile, Mbappe continued to deliver strong performances for Real Madrid and remained a serious contender for the individual prize.

However, Kane’s overall contribution across the season ultimately proved decisive in the closely contested race.

The England captain can now add the Ballon d’Or to his growing list of career achievements, further strengthening his standing among the leading strikers of his generation.