Harry Kane Makes History with Ballon d’Or Win After Stunning 73-Goal Season

By Brooklyn Ondari

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has reportedly won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the 2025/26 season, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim football’s most prestigious individual award.

Kane was reportedly presented with the award at a ceremony held at the London Palladium after an outstanding campaign in which he scored 73 goals for club and country.

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé finished among the leading contenders, followed by Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.

In the women’s category, Barcelona star Alexia Putellas claimed her third Ballon d’Or after helping the Spanish giants secure success before joining London City Lionesses.

Yamal also won the men’s young player award, while his Barcelona teammate Vicky López took home the women’s young player honour.

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón was recognised as the best male goalkeeper, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the corresponding women’s award.

In the coaching categories, Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente was named the best men’s coach, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the women’s coaching award.

Kane added another accolade to his collection by winning the best male striker award. Charlyn Corral of Mexican club Pachuca won the women’s striker award after reportedly scoring 49 goals in 49 matches.

At club level, Paris Saint-Germain was recognised as the best men’s club, while Barcelona claimed the women’s club award.

Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and commitment to supporting communities.

The ceremony celebrated achievements across world football, recognising outstanding players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs during the 2025/26 season.

Kane’s reported triumph would mark a historic milestone for English football, ending a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or since Owen claimed the honour in 2001.

Editorial note: Please verify the award announcement and results before publication. The supplied report contains major claims about the 2026 Ballon d’Or that should be confirmed against official sources.