Harry Kane has become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or for 25 years after being crowned the winner at Monday’s ceremony in London.
Kane scored a sensational 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England in 2025-26, while he won the Bundesliga title for the second time.
The last English winner last came in 2001 when Michael Owen won the award, while he is only the fifth English player to win it ever after inaugural victor Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) the others.
Kane said: “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.
“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.”
Kane dedicates award to Kompany
Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club matches last season as the striker won the league title and cup in Germany last season.
He was quick to wish his best to club manager Vincent Kompany, who was unable to attend the awards after collapsing at Bayern Munich’s training ground.
Kane said: “Without you guys [Bayern Munich team-mates] and the rest of the team it wouldn’t be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. So thank you very much.
“To Vinny [Vincent Kompany]. I know he is at home or still in the hospital. Wishing you well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy. To all the staff we way train and the way you push us it is a credit to yourself.
“Since I have been with you I have improved as player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. An honour to play for Bayern Munich.
“To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich.”
Kane salutes England team-mates
Kane also scored 12 goals for England during the 2025-26 season, including six at the World Cup, albeit they fell short and lost in the semi-finals.
“To my England team-mates, again the same,” Kane added. “We had a special year. It wasn’t the perfect year, but we had a load of great moments. We built a great bond together.
“The togetherness in the hotel in the World Cup. An honour to captain you and lead you. It makes me extremely proud. This one is for all of us for sure.
“Thomas Tuchel and the staff at England, again the leadership the way you drive us, the way you push standards is something to be admired.”
Kane’s record-breaking season in numbers
Harry Kane delivered a remarkable 61 goals for Bayern Munich across all competitions, finishing 19 ahead of any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
His tally included 36 Bundesliga goals, 14 in the Champions League and 10 in the German Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 final victory over Stuttgart.
His dominance extended beyond club football, with 12 goals for England, including six at the World Cup, taking his combined season total to 73 goals.
He also helped Bayern secure the German domestic double, adding to the Bundesliga title he had won the previous season.
That total of 73 placed Kane among the most prolific goalscorers in football history. Only Lionel Messi has recorded more goals in a single season for club and country among players from Europe’s top leagues, scoring 82 in 2011–12.
Kane’s campaign surpassed the tallies of several legendary forwards, including Gerd Müller, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Luis Suarez.
Ballon d’Or Men’s Player of the Year leaderboard
1) Harry Kane – Bayern Munich and England
2) Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid and France
3) Lamine Yamal – Barcelona and Spain
4) Rodri – Barcelona and Spain
5) Lionel Messi – Inter Miami and Argentina
6) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG and Georgia
7) Ousmane Dembélé – PSG and France
8) Erling Haaland – Manchester City and Norway
9) Michael Olise – Bayern Munich and France
10) Fabián Ruiz – PSG and Spain
11) Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid and England
12) Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona and Spain
13) Achraf Hakimi – PSG and Morocco
14) Vitinha – PSG and Portugal
15) Declan Rice – Arsenal and England
16) Ferran Torres – Barcelona/PSG and Spain
17) Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid and Brazil
18) Marc Cucurella – Chelsea/Real Madrid and Spain
19) Joao Neves – PSG and Portugal
20) Willian Pacho – PSG and Ecuador
21) Gabriel – Arsenal and Brazil
22) Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan and Argentina
23) Nuno Mendes – PSG and Portugal
24) Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich and Colombia
25) Marquinhos – PSG and Brazil
26) Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich and France
27) Bruno Fernandes – Man Utd and Portugal
28) Julian Quinones – Al Qadsiah and Mexico
29=) William Saliba – Arsenal and France
29=) Sadio Mane – Al Nassr and Senegal
Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2026: TV channel, live online stream
In most territories, you can watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony free on DAZN.
Viewers without an existing DAZN account should create a free membership using their email address.
For other territories, visit UEFA’s Ballon d’Or broadcast list.
