…Kane ends 25-year wait for English winner as Putellas secures third women’s title
England captain Harry Kane and Spain’s Alexia Putellas headlined the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, with both stars claiming football’s most prestigious individual honours in their respective categories.
Kane won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001. Putellas, meanwhile, claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her illustrious career.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal was named Men’s Young Talent of the Year, while his club teammate Vicky López won the women’s category.
Spain international Unai Simón took home the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, with Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll winning the women’s honour.
Kane also secured the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral emerged winner in the women’s category.
In the coaching categories, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona women’s coach Pere Romeu won the corresponding women’s award.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was recognised as Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona claimed the Women’s Club of the Year title.
Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the prestigious Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives.
The 2026 ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was established in 1956 to honour outstanding individual performances in football.
Full List of 2026 Ballon d’Or Winners
Major Awards
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
Young Talent of the Year
- Men: Lamine Yamal
- Women: Vicky López
Goalkeeper of the Year
- Men: Unai Simón
- Women: Cata Coll
Striker of the Year
- Men: Harry Kane
- Women: Charlyn Corral
Coach of the Year
- Men: Luis de la Fuente
- Women: Pere Romeu
Club of the Year
- Men: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
- Women: Barcelona
Sócrates Award
- Bukayo Saka — Humanitarian work and social initiatives
Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026: Top 10 Ranking
- Harry Kane — England
- Kylian Mbappé — France
- Lamine Yamal — Spain
- Rodri Hernández — Spain
- Lionel Messi — Argentina
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — Georgia
- Ousmane Dembélé — France
- Erling Haaland — Norway
- Michael Olise — France
- Fabián Ruiz — Spain
Kane’s maiden triumph represents a landmark moment for English football, ending a 25-year wait for one of its players to win the men’s award. Putellas’ third title further consolidates her place among the most decorated figures in women’s football.
The ceremony celebrated individual excellence, team achievements and humanitarian contributions, bringing together some of the biggest names in world football.
Courtesy: Lagos Panorama
