Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award since Michael Owen. The 33-year-old striker accepted the trophy at the London Palladium amid loud cheers from the audience.
Kane expressed his gratitude to France Football and said holding the ceremony in London made the occasion even more special.
“Thank you again to France Football for the Ballon d’Or, for putting on this amazing event. Being here in London as well has made it extra special. It looked like a good omen today, so thank you very much.”
The Harry Kane Ballon d’Or triumph followed a remarkable season in which he scored 73 goals, won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich and reached the 2026 World Cup semi-finals with England.
Kane thanked his Bayern teammates for pushing him to improve and praised manager Vincent Kompany, who was reportedly in hospital. He also recognised England manager Thomas Tuchel and his international teammates, describing their campaign as a special year despite its challenges.
England finished third at the 2026 World Cup, securing the country’s best result since winning the competition in 1966.
The striker also paid tribute to Tottenham Hotspur, where he joined the academy at the age of 11. He credited former coaches and managers, including Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, for helping shape his career.
Kane reserved an emotional message for his wife, Kate, calling her his best friend and biggest supporter. He also thanked their children, Ivy, Vivian, Louie and Henry, saying he hoped his journey would teach them the value of hard work and self-belief.
Reflecting on his career, Kane recalled facing setbacks, including loan spells and rejections from Arsenal and Tottenham’s academies before becoming a leading striker.
“My journey wasn’t straightforward. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs; I had a lot of loan moves; I had to fight my way to be the very best right now, and I hope that can give you determination as well. So thank you very much.”
Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or, adding another major moment to the London ceremony.
