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 Bayern Munich i England in 2025-26, while winning the Bundesliga title for the second time.
The last English winner was in 2001 when Michael Owen won the award, while he is only the fifth English player to win it after inaugural winner Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) the others.
Kane said: “I’m almost at a loss for words. Being here in London has made it so special. It bodes well for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was difficult this year.
“Some world class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and an impressive display of determination and hard work that really can be achieved.”
Kane dedicates the award to Kompany
Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club games last season as the striker won the league and cup in Germany last term.
He wished the club’s manager Vincent Kompany, who was unable to attend the awards after collapsing at Bayern Munich’s training ground, well.
Kane said: “Without you (Bayern Munich teammates) and the rest of the team it wouldn’t be possible, the way you push me, the way we compete. Thank you so much.
“To Vinny (Vincent Kompany). I know he’s at home or still in hospital. I wish you the best. I hope this has given you some energy. To all the staff we put together and the way you push us, it’s a credit to yourself.
“Since I’ve been with you I’ve improved as a player, I’ve improved as a person and as a leader. Thanks to your leadership. An honor to play for Bayern Munich.”
“Representing you is a real privilege. Delighted to bring this trophy back to Bayern Munich.”
Kane greets his England teammates
Kane also scored 12 goals for England during the 2025-26 season, including six at the World Cup, although they fell short and lost in the semi-finals.
“To my England team-mates, same again,” Kane added. “We had a special year. It wasn’t the perfect year, but we had a lot of great moments. We built a great bond together.
“Joining the hotel at the World Cup. An honor to captain and lead you. It makes me very proud. This is for all of us, for sure.
“Thomas Tuchel and the England staff, again the leadership the way you lead us, the way you push the standards is something to be admired.”
Kane’s record season in numbers
Harry Kane scored a remarkable 61 goals for Bayern Munich in all competitions, finishing 19 more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
His tally includes 36 goals in the Bundesliga, 14 in the Champions League and 10 in the German Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 final win 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 to the German domestic double, adding to the Bundesliga title they had won the previous season.
That total of 73 placed Kane among the most prolific goalscorers in football history. Only Lionel Messi has scored more goals in a single season for club and country among players in Europe’s top leagues, with 82 in 2011-12.
Kane’s campaign surpassed the tallies of several legendary strikers, including Gerd Müller, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Luis Suarez.
Men’s Ballon d’Or player of the year classification
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 Martínez – Inter Milan and Argentina
23) Nuno Mendes – PSG and Portugal
24) Luis Díaz – 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 Lintasa – Arsenal and France
29=) Sadio Mane – Al Nassr and Senegal
Where to watch Ballon d’Or 2026: TV channel, live online
In most territories, you can watch the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony for free on DAZN.
Viewers without an existing DAZN account should do so create a free subscription using your email address.
For other territories, visit List of UEFA Ballon d’Or broadcasts.
