Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or 2026 at the ceremony in London, England, on October 26. The annual football awards recognise players for their performances and achievements during the season. Harry Kane, the England captain and Bayern Munich striker, received his first men’s Ballon d’Or. Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s award for the third time, having previously received it in 2021 and 2022.
What is the Ballon d’Or award?
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football magazine in partnership with UEFA. It recognises outstanding individual performances in football, with separate awards for men and women.
Harry Kane wins his first Ballon d’Or
Harry Kane scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025-26 campaign. Playing for Bayern Munich and England, the striker helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title and win a domestic treble. Harry Kane became the fifth Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or and the first since Michael Owen received the award in 2001. Kylian Mbappé finished second in the 2026 rankings, followed by Lamine Yamal in third place.
Alexia Putellas wins her third women’s Ballon d’Or
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or after a successful season with Barcelona. She helped the Spanish club win the 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League and was named the competition’s Player of the Season.
Alexia Putellas scored seven goals and provided seven assists during Barcelona’s Champions League campaign. The Spanish midfielder had previously won the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022, making her a three-time winner. She joined London City Lionesses ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Who else won at the Ballon d’Or 2026?
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Men’s Ballon d’Or | Harry Kane |
| Women’s Ballon d’Or | Alexia Putellas |
| Men’s Striker of the Year | Harry Kane |
| Women’s Striker of the Year | Charlyn Corral |
| Men’s Club of the Year | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Women’s Club of the Year | FC Barcelona |
| Sócrates Award | Bukayo Saka |
| Men’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) | Unai Simón |
| Women’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) | Cata Coll |
| Men’s Coach of the Year | Luis de la Fuente |
| Women’s Coach of the Year | Pere Romeu |
| Women’s Kopa Trophy (best young player) | Vicky López |
| Men’s Kopa Trophy (best young player) | Lamine Yamal |
Several other footballers, coaches and clubs received awards at the ceremony. The 2026 ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956. London hosted the ceremony for the first time, at the London Palladium.
FAQs – Ballon d’Or 2026
1. Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most men’s Ballon d’Or wins, with eight. Among women, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí have each won the award three times.
2. Can goalkeepers win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes. Goalkeepers are eligible for the main Ballon d’Or, although the award has historically gone more often to attacking players and midfielders. A separate goalkeeper award also recognises outstanding performances in goal.
3. Who was the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner?
Stanley Matthews, an English footballer who played for Blackpool, won the first Ballon d’Or in 1956.
4. How are Ballon d’Or winners chosen?
A panel of international football journalists votes based on criteria that include individual performances, team achievements and a player’s conduct and sportsmanship.
5. What is the difference between the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards?
The Ballon d’Or is organised by France Football in partnership with UEFA. The Best FIFA Football Awards are organised separately by FIFA, with their own voting process and award categories.
Also read:
- Full FIFA World Cup 2026 Captains and Teams by Groups
- Ballon d’or 2024 Winners
- Everything You Need To Know About FIFA World Cup 2026 Mascots And Trionda Ball
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