Harry Kane has won the Ballon d’Or for the first time, claiming football’s most prestigious individual honour ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. In the women’s category, Spain’s Alexia Putellas secured the award for a third time, further strengthening her status as one of the leading figures in women’s football.
The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony in London late on Monday night, 26 October. Kane’s triumph marks a significant milestone for English football, as he becomes the first Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich striker’s achievement ends a 25-year wait for an English male player to receive the prestigious accolade.
Mbappé, who represents Real Madrid, finished second in the men’s rankings, while Barcelona’s Yamal took third place. Rodri finished fourth, with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi rounding out the top five.
Although Yamal missed out on the main prize, he had reason to celebrate after winning the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player aged under 21. The Spanish forward claimed the honour for the third consecutive time, underlining his remarkable consistency at a young age.
During the 2025–26 season, Yamal scored 24 goals and provided 17 assists across all competitions. His contributions also played an important role in Barcelona’s successes in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. His combination of creativity, goalscoring ability and attacking influence has made him one of the most prominent young talents in European football.
Coaching and Goalkeeping Honours
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente received the men’s Coach of the Year award in recognition of his contribution to the national team’s success. Under his leadership, Spain won the World Cup, earning recognition for their performances on the international stage.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the men’s Yashin Trophy. He played a key role in his country’s defensive performances at the World Cup, conceding just one goal in eight matches. His achievement highlighted the importance of reliable goalkeeping alongside attacking excellence in major international competitions.
Putellas Claims Third Women’s Ballon d’Or
Putellas emerged as one of the evening’s leading winners by securing the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time. The Spanish midfielder had previously won the award in consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. Her latest triumph adds another major individual accolade to an already distinguished career.
Barcelona also enjoyed considerable success in the women’s categories. Pere Romeu was named Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding the club to 29 victories in 30 league matches. Barcelona finished the campaign with a goal difference of 121, reflecting the team’s attacking strength and sustained dominance.
The women’s Yashin Trophy went to Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll. She conceded just six goals in 17 league appearances and recorded 11 clean sheets, demonstrating her consistency and ability to protect her team’s goal.
Barcelona received the Women’s Club of the Year award, recognising the club’s achievements in the women’s game. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed the men’s equivalent after defeating Arsenal in the Champions League final to secure the trophy for a second consecutive time.
Kane and Corral Add More Silverware
Kane’s successful evening extended beyond the Ballon d’Or. He also won the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy, adding another major honour to his collection. The award recognises outstanding goalscoring achievements and further underlined his impact as a prolific forward.
In the women’s category, Mexican striker Charlyn Corral made history by winning the Gerd Müller Trophy. The Pachuca forward became the first Mexican player to claim the women’s award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The event recognised achievements across several areas of football, from individual brilliance and goalscoring to goalkeeping, coaching and club performance. Kane’s breakthrough victory marked a landmark moment for English football, while Putellas’s third Ballon d’Or and Barcelona’s success across multiple categories highlighted the continued prominence of Spanish football in both the men’s and women’s games.
