Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas named winners
Why in the news
England striker Harry Kane and Spain’s Alexia Putellas won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or at the 70th edition of the awards, held at the Palladium Theatre in London on 26 October 2026.
Key facts
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) became the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen in 2001. He scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern, who won a league and cup double.
- Kane, aged 33, also scored six goals at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
- Kylian Mbappe was runner-up, followed by Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi.
- Alexia Putellas won her third women’s Ballon d’Or. She moved from Barcelona to London City Lionesses in July after 14 years.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Men’s coach of the year | Luis de la Fuente (Spain) |
| Women’s coach of the year | Pere Romeu (Barcelona) |
| Men’s club of the year | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Women’s club of the year | Barcelona |
| Men’s goalkeeper | Unai Simon |
| Women’s goalkeeper | Cata Coll |
| Men’s young talent | Lamine Yamal |
| Women’s young talent | Vicky Lopez |
| Socrates Award | Bukayo Saka |
About the Ballon d’Or
The 2026 ceremony was the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or and was staged in London. Alongside the main prizes, awards were given for coaches, clubs, goalkeepers, young talent and humanitarian work.
Exam angle
- Remember the venue (Palladium Theatre, London) and the edition (70th).
- Kane ended a 25-year wait for an English winner after Michael Owen (2001).
- The Socrates Award honours players for social and humanitarian work.