Kane Beats Mbappe and Yamal to Ballon d’Or

Written By James Capps | Published at October 27, 2026

Jun 20, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; FC Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring against CA Boca Juniors in the first half during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane became the first Englishman in a quarter of a century to win the Ballon d’Or.

The 33-year-old saw off fierce competition from Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to collect the sport’s most high-profile individual honour at a glamorous awards ceremony in London last night.

A Stellar Twelve Months For Kane

International silverware may have eluded him at last summer’s World Cup, but Kane was an integral part of the side that reached the semi-finals in the US.

But it was his form for Bundesliga champions Bayern that has seen him be crowned the world’s best player.

A remarkable 61 goals in 51 competitive games for the Bavarian side broke the club record for goals in a single season. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (also 61) and Lionel Messi (73) have matched that tally.

He becomes only the fifth Englishman to win the prize and the first since Michael Owen in 2001, with Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) completing an illustrious lineup of winners from English shores.

The Night’s Other Winners

In the women’s game, Barcelona’s Alexia Putella picked up her third Ballon d'Or Feminin and her first since 2022.

It was a record-equalling night for the 33-year-old, who joins club and international team mate Aitana Bonmati on three wins.

On the men’s side, Athletic Club’s Unai Simon beat Arsenal’s David Raya to the title for world’s best goalkeeper.

And finally, in a night dominated by Spanish winners, national team boss Luis de la Fuente picked up the Men’s Coach of the Year prize, after guiding La Roja to a second World Cup success.