Harry Kane has joined an elite group of English football legends after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the fifth Englishman to receive football’s prestigious individual award.
The Bayern Munich and England captain was crowned the world’s best player at the 70th edition of the awards in London on Monday, October 26, ending England’s 25-year wait for a winner.
Kane succeeds Liverpool legend Michael Owen, who won the award in 2001, and joins an illustrious list featuring Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
The 33-year-old’s triumph follows a remarkable season in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and England, underlining his status as one of the most prolific forwards in world football.
“it’s about the journey. Anything is possible. Work hard when nobody is watching.” Kane Said.
His performances helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, while his contribution to England’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup further strengthened his case for the award.
Harry Kane beat Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to claim the coveted trophy.
The five English Ballon d’Or winners
1. Sir Stanley Matthews – 1956
Matthews became the inaugural winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1956 while playing for Blackpool. A celebrated winger renowned for his dribbling ability, he remains the oldest player to win the award, having been 41 at the time.
2. Sir Bobby Charlton – 1966
Charlton won the award in a landmark year for English football, following his influential performances as England won the FIFA World Cup on home soil. His contribution to Manchester United and the national team cemented his place among the country’s greatest footballers.
3. Kevin Keegan – 1978 and 1979
Keegan became the third Englishman to win the award while playing for Hamburg. He retained the honour the following year, making him the only English player to have won the Ballon d’Or in consecutive years.
4. Michael Owen – 2001
Owen received the award after an outstanding year with Liverpool, helping the club win five trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. He became the first Liverpool player to win the Ballon d’Or.
5. Harry Kane – 2026
Kane’s victory marks the latest chapter in England’s Ballon d’Or history. His extraordinary goal-scoring season for Bayern Munich and England earned him recognition at the highest individual level, making him the first English winner in 25 years.
A landmark moment for Kane
Beyond the personal achievement, Kane’s victory ends a lengthy wait for English football at the top of the Ballon d’Or rankings.
His success also adds to Bayern Munich’s history of producing some of the game’s most celebrated individual performers.
For Kane, who spent much of his career at Tottenham Hotspur before joining Bayern Munich in 2023, the award represents a major milestone in a career built on consistency, leadership and exceptional goal-scoring.
“I want to thank Tottenham Hotspur. I was there since I was 11 years old. You allowed me to live my dream. Without Tottenham, without that journey, I wouldn’t experience this moment.”
