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England striker Harry Kane and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas emerged as the headline winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26.
Kane claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or after an impressive season with Bayern Munich and England, becoming the first Englishman to win the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Putellas, meanwhile, secured the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2022. Her latest triumph places her among the most decorated players in the history of the women’s award.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal also enjoyed a memorable night, winning the men’s Kopa Trophy for the best young player, while Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.
Full List of Ballon d’Or 2026 Winners
The major awards presented at the ceremony include:
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
Men’s Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal
Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López
Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Luis de la Fuente
Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Pere Romeu
Men’s Yashin Trophy: Unai Simón
Women’s Yashin Trophy: Cata Coll
Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
Women’s Club of the Year: FC Barcelona Femení
Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane
Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Charlyn Corral
Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka
Kane’s victory marks a significant milestone for English football. The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of other leading contenders, including France forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
His goalscoring performances for club and country helped strengthen his case for the award, capping a season in which he also received the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy for striker of the year.
Putellas’ third women’s Ballon d’Or further highlights her influence in the women’s game. The Spain international previously won the award in consecutive years before returning to the top of the rankings in 2026.
Saka’s Sócrates Award recognised his charitable activities beyond football. The honour celebrates players who use their influence to support humanitarian causes and make a positive contribution to society.
The ceremony also recognised achievements in coaching, goalkeeping and team performance, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona women’s coach Pere Romeu among the winners.
The 2026 awards brought together individual and collective achievements from across football, with Kane, Putellas, Yamal and Saka among the most prominent names of the night.