Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Oct 27: Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or 2026 for the first time in his career, edging past Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to claim football’s prestigious individual honour.

The 2026 award race was considered one of the most closely contested in recent years, with no clear favourite emerging ahead of the ceremony. Yamal won the men’s young player of the year award, while Kane secured both the men’s striker of the year award and the Ballon d’Or.

Kane enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 season, helping Bayern Munich reach the Champions League semi-finals and win the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles. He also played a key role in England’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team finished third.

After receiving the award, Kane delivered an emotional speech, thanking his teammates, coaches, family and everyone who supported him on his journey to the top of world football.

“I’m almost speechless. (Luckily) I have this list here. Thank you to France Football, to the Ballon d’Or for putting on this amazing event. Being here in London has made it extra special. It looked like a good omen for me tonight so thank you very much. Thank you to everyone who voted for me, I can imagine it was really tough this year, some of the incredible players I was up against, some of my team-mates, some world-class players in the room tonight,” Kane said.

He also expressed gratitude to his Bayern Munich teammates, acknowledging their role in his success.

“To my Bayern Munich teammates – I’ve got a few here tonight, Michael, Upa, Lucho, Lenny, without you guys and the rest of the team, it wouldn’t be possible. The way you guys push me, the way we compete, me against Upa in training every week, it just makes me a better player, it makes me want to improve. So thank you very much,” he added.