Harry Kane claims men’s Ballon d’Or to end England’s 25-year wait for winner

Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim football's most prestigious individual award in 25 years. The England captain was announced as the winner at a ceremony held at the Palladium Theatre in London. The women's Ballon d'Or was claimed by Alexia Putellas of London City Lionesses, her third such award, five years after her first with Barcelona.