Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first English player to claim the award in 25 years. The Bayern Munich striker beat Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in a closely contested vote. Kane's victory ended a long wait for a Bundesliga player or Englishman to win the prestigious trophy.
The voting process saw Mbappé leading for much of the time before Kane eventually overtook him. A French editor revealed the margin of victory was very small. Kane's win marks a historic moment for English football.
Kane's achievement comes after a successful 2026 season, during which he played a key role for both club and country. His win also makes him the first Bundesliga player to receive the Ballon d'Or since Matthias Sammer in 1992. The result highlights the growing influence of English players on the global stage.
The ceremony took place in London, where Kane celebrated his win with a night out at a top nightclub. His victory was met with widespread acclaim, marking a significant milestone in his career. The win also extends the dominance of European players in the award, with Spain's Alexia Putellas winning the women's prize for a third time.
