Kane becomes first English winner of Ballon d’Or in 25 years

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has reportedly won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player to receive football’s prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane was recognised following a prolific season in which he reportedly scored 73 goals for club and country, strengthening his case for the honour presented by French magazine France Football.

The reported victory would place Kane among a distinguished group of English footballers who have won the Ballon d’Or, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.

Kane is said to have beaten Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal to the award.

Speaking at the reported ceremony in London, Kane expressed gratitude to the organisers and those who voted for him.

“Wow, I’m almost speechless,” he said. “First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event. Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.”

He also thanked those who supported his nomination, acknowledging the difficulty of choosing a winner among the leading contenders.

Kane dedicated part of his remarks to the journey that brought him to the top of world football, highlighting the challenges he experienced before establishing himself among the elite.

“It’s just the journey. For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible,” he said.

The England international also reflected on the loan spells and setbacks he experienced earlier in his career, saying he hoped his journey would inspire young people pursuing their ambitions.

“I hope my journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration, and thank you very much,” he added.

Kane also acknowledged the contributions of England, Bayern Munich and his former club Tottenham Hotspur to his career.

The ceremony was reportedly preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Yamal and Mbappé as the winner of the 2026 men’s award.

The reports prompted uncertainty ahead of the official announcement, with the three players among the leading names associated with the race for the honour.

The ceremony was also reportedly delayed by 45 minutes because of traffic in London, with the start time moved to 8:45 p.m.

If confirmed, Kane’s reported victory would end a 25-year wait for an English winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or.

Owen won the award in 2001 after an outstanding year with Liverpool and England. Kane would follow that achievement after years of consistent goalscoring at club and international level.

His reported 73-goal tally for the season would underline the scale of his attacking contribution and explain why he emerged ahead of other high-profile contenders.

The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football, is one of football’s most prestigious individual honours, recognising outstanding performances by players over a designated period.