By our reporter 27.10.2026
England striker Harry Kane Monday night in London beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or and England coach Thomas Tuchel said it was deserving of the long-suffering Kane.
Kane became the second England man after Michael Owen to win the award for the first time in 25 years. Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s prize for a third time.
Kane scored 73 goals for club Bayern Munich and country England a season tally topped only by Lionel Messi’s 82 goals in the 2011-2012 season. Kane,33, demonstrated his scoring prowess in the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup taking England to the semi-finals they lost to Argentina. a seasonal tally bettered only by Lionel Messi’s iconic 82-goal haul during the 2011-12 season.
“Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon d’Or!”
“I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world,” said Tuchel
“To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.”
However, former Real Madrid player Guti argued that the award was rigged.
“It just so happens that, for the 70th anniversary, they move the ceremony to London and someone from London wins it,” Guti remarked.
“It’s an incredible coincidence that they move it to London and someone from London wins it, isn’t it? I mean, it’s as if everything is…”
“When I saw the look on his face when they announced Harry Kane, he never in his life thought he was going to win it,” he said. “Never. I think he expected both Lamine Yamal and Mbappe to finish ahead of him. You only have to look at his face.”