By The Metro 
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The England captain was crowned at the 70th edition of the ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday, capping a remarkable 2025–26 campaign for club and country.
Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern during the season, helping the German club win the domestic league and cup double. His overall tally, including international matches, reached 73 goals.
The 33-year-old also scored six goals at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
Kane’s triumph marks the end of a long wait for an English winner. Owen was the last player from England to receive the award, winning it in 2001.
Kane had earlier won the men’s Striker of the Year award at Monday’s ceremony.
The Ballon d’Or recognises the outstanding individual footballer of the year, with journalists voting on the nominees.