FOOTBALL
Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or, ending England’s 25-year wait for a male winner
Harry Kane has been named the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Englishman to claim football’s most prestigious individual trophy in 25 years. The announcement came during a ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London, where Kane received wild cheers as his name was read from the final envelope. He finished ahead of co-favourites Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé in the voting. The award recognises a remarkable year in which Kane won the European Golden Boot, helped Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga title, and captained England to a World Cup semi-final. His goal-scoring record is particularly striking, with 89 goals for club and country since the start of August 2025. Kane described the experience as "almost speechless" and noted that being in London made it extra special. The trophy, sponsored by L’Équipe, is decided by a vote of journalists and administrators.
The Transfer Siren · 26 October 2026
Harry Kane has been named the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Englishman to claim football’s most prestigious individual trophy in 25 years. The announcement came during a ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London, where Kane received wild cheers as his name was read from the final envelope. He finished ahead of co-favourites Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé in the voting. The award recognises a remarkable year in which Kane won the European Golden Boot, helped Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga title, and captained England to a World Cup semi-final. His goal-scoring record is particularly striking, with 89 goals for club and country since the start of August 2025. Kane described the experience as "almost speechless" and noted that being in London made it extra special. The trophy, sponsored by L’Équipe, is decided by a vote of journalists and administrators.
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