Bayern and England star Harry Kane has beaten Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, scooping the prestigious trophy after a stellar year for club and country.
Yamal won the Kopa Trophy earlier in the evening, for the third year in a row, and was also nominated for the main prize following another successful year that brought a La Liga title with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
However, it’s Kane who has scooped the Golden Ball for the first time in his career following a stunning
goalscoring year for Bayern and England.
Kane is the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen back in 2001 and takes top spot after scoring 61 goals in 51 games in the 2025-26 season for Bayern.
The striker was also key for England at World Cup 2026 as the Three Lions made it to the semi-finals of the tournament before being beaten by Argentina.
“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,” he said as he picked up the award.
“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.”
It’s disappointment this time around for Yamal but he’ll have many more chances to win the prize in the future.
Congratulations, Harry Kane.
