Years of goals, years of waiting, and a career-long question about what Harry Kane would achieve beyond individual records. Now, the England captain has football’s biggest individual crown. But on a night of golden moments, he wasn’t the only star taking home history.
For Harry Kane, this is more than a trophy. It is the kind of moment that changes the conversation around a footballer’s career.
The Bayern Munich striker has spent years filling the net, breaking records and proving himself among the most reliable goalscorers in world football. Yet, for a long time, the big question followed him everywhere: could he turn all those goals into major honours?
Image Credit: @hkane
Harry Kane is the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Englishman to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001. His extraordinary campaign included 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, helping the German giants win the Bundesliga and domestic cup double. Add his six goals for England at the World Cup, and you begin to understand why his name finished at the top of the list.
And while the cameras followed Kane, another familiar face was celebrating a golden return.
ALEXIA PUTELLAS RECLAIMS THE WOMEN’S CROWN
Image Credit: @ballondor
Alexia Putellas is back on top of women’s football.
The Spanish midfielder won the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or, claiming the award for the third time in her career after a trophy-winning season with Barcelona. She had previously won it in 2021 and 2022, and this latest triumph puts her back in the spotlight among the very best in the women’s game.
There were other awards giving out on the Night,
THE NEXT GENERATION
If Kane represented years of persistence, Lamine Yamal represented the future arriving early.
The Barcelona wonderkid won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award for the third consecutive year, underlining his remarkable rise. His Barcelona teammate Vicky López took the women’s equivalent, showing that the club’s production line of young talent remains firmly in business.
THE COACHES AND GOALKEEPERS GET THEIR FLOWERS
Spain’s World Cup-winning manager Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s award after leading the Catalan side through a trophy-filled campaign.
Between the posts, Spain’s Unai Simón collected the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed the women’s honour.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Paris Saint-Germain took home the Men’s Club of the Year award, while Barcelona claimed the women’s prize.
The recognition reflected the strength of two clubs that have become major forces in their respective competitions. PSG’s European success and Barcelona’s dominance in women’s football ensured both clubs had plenty to celebrate.
BEST FORWARD OF THE YEAR
Kane had another reason to celebrate, winning the Men’s Striker of the Year award alongside his Ballon d’Or triumph.
On the women’s side, Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Striker of the Year award after a prolific campaign with Pachuca. It was a notable recognition for a player whose goalscoring achievements deserved their own spotlight.
SÓCRATES AWARD
Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award, which recognises humanitarian work and social initiatives connected to football.
It was a reminder that the game’s influence stretches beyond goals, trophies and individual records. Footballers can also leave a mark through their contributions to society.
BURNA BOY BRINGS NIGERIAN FLAVOUR TO FOOTBALL’S BIG NIGHT
And just when you thought the night belonged entirely to football, Burna Boy reminded the world that Nigeria’s influence goes far beyond the pitch.
The Grammy-winning Afrobeats star took centre stage at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, presenting the Sócrates Award to Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka.
Saka was recognised for his humanitarian work, including supporting 120 medical operations for children in Nigeria through his partnership with the charity BigShoe. It was a particularly meaningful moment given his family’s Nigerian heritage.
Harry Kane was crowned king, Alexia Putellas reclaimed the women’s crown, the 2026 Ballon d’Or had stories worth telling. But which moment stood out for you? Do you agree with the winners for each category?
