England captain Harry Kane and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas have emerged as the headline winners at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held at the London Palladium in London on Monday, October 26.
Kane won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time, becoming the first Englishman to receive football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001. Putellas, meanwhile, claimed the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career.
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Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while his club teammate Vicky López received the corresponding women’s honour.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the women’s award.
In the striker categories, Kane claimed the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral won the women’s prize.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona women’s team manager Pere Romeu received the women’s award.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the Men’s Club of the Year award, while Barcelona claimed the women’s title.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work and social initiatives.
The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which was established in 1956 to recognise outstanding individual performances in football.
Kane’s reported triumph represents a significant milestone in his career, while Putellas’ third award further strengthens her record among the leading players in women’s football.
Full List of 2026 Ballon d’Or Winners
Major Awards
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– Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane
– Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas
Young Talent of the Year
– Men: Lamine Yamal
– Women: Vicky López
Goalkeeper of the Year
– Men: Unai Simón
– Women: Cata Coll
Striker of the Year
– Men: Harry Kane
– Women: Charlyn Corral
Coach of the Year
– Men: Luis de la Fuente
– Women: Pere Romeu
Club of the Year
– Men: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
– Women: Barcelona
Sócrates Award
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– Bukayo Saka
The awards recognise individual and collective achievements across men’s and women’s football, highlighting performances on the pitch as well as contributions to society.