Kane claims 2026 Ballon d'Or after scoring 73 goals
The Bayern Munich striker became the first English winner in 25 years, beating out Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal for the top individual prize in soccer.
By Alexander Wright ·
Harry Kane scored 73 goals for club and country in the 2025-26 season. That total secured his victory for the 2026 Ballon d'Or on Monday night in London.
The award recognizes the world's best player. Kane is the first Englishman to receive it since Michael Owen won it in 2001. The 33-year-old striker joins a list of elite goalscorers in the history of the sport.
Kane took the stage at the ceremony and described the moment as almost speechless. He called the venue an extra special place for him. He thanked the voters for choosing him over other world-class players in the room.
His performance for Bayern Munich drove the German club to a domestic league and cup double. He scored 61 goals in 51 matches across all competitions. This was the most prolific campaign of his career.
Kane also led England to the semi-finals of the World Cup. He scored six goals during the tournament. His play combined finishing ability with leadership that defined his international career.
The competition for the award was intense. Kylian Mbappe broke World Cup scoring records. Lamine Yamal helped Spain win the World Cup title. Voters selected Kane because his excellence lasted the entire season rather than just one tournament.
Kane's path to this moment was long. He struggled to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur early in his career. He spent time on numerous loans before developing into a complete center forward. He moved to Bayern Munich in 2023.
That transfer brought trophies that had previously eluded him. He established himself as Europe's leading goalscorer by the end of the 2025-26 season. His influence extended to every competition he played in.
Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the third time. The Spain midfielder won a treble with Barcelona in the 2025-26 campaign. She also won the Spanish Super Cup with the club.
Putellas left Barcelona in July after 14 years. She moved to London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League. Kane now holds the record as England's all-time leading marksman and their record World Cup scorer.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
