HARRY Kane has been crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, ending England’s 25-year wait for football’s most prestigious individual award, while Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy made history as the first African artiste to present the Socrates Award at the ceremony in London.
Kane, the Bayern Munich and England captain, was crowned the men’s winner at Monday’s ceremony at the London Palladium after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season. He finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
The victory makes Kane the first English Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen in 2001. He joins an illustrious group of English recipients that includes Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
Kane received the award from two-time Ballon d’Or winner and Brazil legend Ronaldo. In an emotional acceptance speech, he thanked France Football, the organisers, voters, England, Bayern Munich and his former club, Tottenham Hotspur.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless. First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event,” Kane said.
He said winning the award in London made the occasion particularly special and urged young footballers to remain determined despite setbacks.
Kane reflected on his own journey, noting that he had not risen directly to the top but had endured several loan spells and challenges before establishing himself among the world’s elite.
“I hope my journey can inspire others. I didn’t go straight to the top; I had to experience several loan moves and fight my way to where I am now,” he said.
Kane’s triumph came amid some confusion before the ceremony after the Ballon d’Or website published separate articles naming Kane, Yamal and Mbappe as winners of the men’s award. The ceremony itself began 45 minutes late, with organisers blaming traffic congestion in London.
In the final men’s rankings, Mbappe finished second and Yamal third, followed by Manchester City’s Rodri in fourth and Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi in fifth.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finished sixth, ahead of teammate Ousmane Dembele in seventh, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Fabian Ruiz completed the top 10.
Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Yamal received the Men’s Young Talent of the Year prize.
In the women’s category, Barcelona and London City Lionesses forward Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or. Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez won the Women’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral claimed the Women’s Striker of the Year prize.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, with Barcelona’s Cata Coll taking the women’s honour. PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s award.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy presented the Socrates Award to Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka, becoming the first African artiste to present the honour.
The award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and social development outside football.
Saka received the award for his charitable work with BigShoe, an organisation that provides medical assistance to children in need. His work has helped support life-changing medical procedures for children in Nigeria and other African countries.
During the ceremony, Burna Boy also spoke about his football academy in Nigeria, which he said was established to contribute to the development of football in the country. He expressed hope that one of the academy’s players would eventually earn recognition at the Ballon d’Or.
The Socrates Award, named after the late Brazilian football legend Sócrates, was introduced in 2022 to recognise humanitarian and social initiatives by footballers.Burna Boy’s participation added an African dimension to the ceremony, highlighting Nigeria’s growing presence in global entertainment and sport.
