Kane won the highly coveted award ahead of football stars such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The England captain was confirmed as the best player in the world on Monday night at a ceremony held in London, UK.
He won the award ahead of players such as Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Rodri, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, and Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.
With this feat, Kane becomes the first English winner of the Ballon d’Or in 25 years, following Michael Owen in 2001.
He also follows in the footsteps of Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan, and Owen as a Ballon d’Or winner from England.
During the year under review, Kane won the European Golden Shoe as Bayern lifted the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.
The Spurs legend also netted an incredible 73-goal haul last season for club and country in the process.
Reacting to winning the award, an emotional Kane said: “Wow, I’m almost speechless.”
He added: “First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event. Being in London makes it extra special; it felt like a good omen.
”Thank you to everyone for voting for me. I can imagine it was very tough. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”
Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas of Spain and Barcelona won the women’s category of the award.
