Harry Kane was announced as the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner in London on Monday, becoming the first Englishman to lift the trophy in 25 years after defeating France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
The 30‑year‑old scored 73 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich and the England national team during the 2025‑26 season, a tally that also earned him the European Golden Shoe.
In Germany last season, Kane helped Bayern secure a Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double, and he netted 14 Champions League goals before Bayern bowed out in the semi‑finals to eventual champions Paris Saint‑Germain. Mbappé of Real Madrid had 15 Champions League goals that season.
Internationally, Kane captained England to a third‑place finish at the World Cup, the country’s best result since 1966. He scored six goals, including late strikes against DR Congo and a goal against Mexico at the Azteca in the round of 16.
During the 2026 campaign, Kane equalled Peter Shilton’s record for most England caps with his 125th appearance and has since extended his tally to 91 goals, cementing his status as England’s all‑time leading scorer.
The award ceremony in London celebrated Kane’s achievements and marked a historic moment for English football.
