KANE, PUTELLAS LEAD BALLON D’OR HONOURS

By: Gyang Dakwo

England captain Harry Kane ended a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s 2026 Ballon d’Or on Monday, as he claimed football’s most prestigious individual prize. Spain’s Alexia Putellas also made history by winning the women’s award for the third time.

Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, earned the award after scoring 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/2026 season. His haul included 61 goals for Bayern and 12 for England, helping the German side retain their Bundesliga crown and secure a domestic treble. He also scored 14 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern reached the semi-finals.

The victory made Kane the fifth Englishman ever to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, following Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956, Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, Kevin Keegan in 1978 and 1979, and Michael Owen in 2001. Kane finished ahead of France captain Kylian Mbappe in second place and Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in third.

Putellas enjoyed an equally memorable night, collecting her third Women’s Ballon d’Or after previous victories in 2021 and 2022. The Spanish midfielder was recognised for her performances during Barcelona’s successful 2025/2026 campaign, which included the UEFA Women’s Champions League title. She contributed seven goals and seven assists in the competition before joining London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

The ceremony also recognised achievements across coaching, goalkeeping, youth development, goalscoring and club football, with Spanish players and coaches enjoying considerable success in the supporting categories.

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while his club teammate Vicky Lopez received the women’s honour. Yamal’s victory marked his third consecutive win in the young-player category, underlining his growing influence in European football.

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu won the women’s award. Unai Simón of Athletic Club received the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year prize, with Barcelona’s Cata Coll taking the women’s equivalent.

Paris Saint-Germain was named Men’s Club of the Year following its successful campaign, while Barcelona won the women’s award. Kane also claimed the Men’s Striker of the Year prize, making him a double winner on the night. Mexico international Charlyn Corral of Pachuca received the Women’s Striker of the Year award.

Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work and social contributions. The honour recognises footballers whose efforts extend beyond the pitch to support communities and wider social causes.

Held at the London Palladium Theatre, the ceremony was the first Ballon d’Or awards night staged in London. The venue was chosen to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the award and pay tribute to Matthews, who became its inaugural winner in 1956.