The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held at the London Palladium, celebrated seven decades of the prestigious football award. England captain Harry Kane reached a career milestone by claiming the men's top honour after a prolific campaign with Bayern Munich and his country. This achievement makes him the first English player to receive the award since Michael Owen in 2001. The event recognized standout performers from the 2025-26 season.

Harry Kane's victory marks a significant moment in his career, solidifying his position as one of the world's top players. His impressive performance with Bayern Munich and the English national team earned him the coveted award. Kane's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony was attended by prominent figures in the football world.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or's 30-player shortlist featured three former winners: Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, and Rodri. Messi, an eight-time winner and Argentinian icon, was among the favourites to win the award. However, it was Harry Kane who ultimately took home the honour. The ceremony also recognized the achievements of female players, with Spain's Alexia Putellas securing her third Women's Ballon d'Or.

Alexia Putellas's achievement is a notable milestone in her career, marking her third Women's Ballon d'Or win. She previously claimed the title in 2021 and 2022. The Women's Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award that recognizes the best female players in the world. Putellas's victory is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony celebrated seven decades of the prestigious football award. The award has a rich history, with notable winners including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane. The ceremony featured a list of past winners, including Stanley Matthews, who won the award in 1956, and Alfredo Di Stéfano, who won in 1957 and 1959.

The Ballon d'Or has been presented annually since 1956, with the exception of 2020, when no award was presented. The award is considered one of the most prestigious honours in football, recognizing the best players in the world. The ceremony has become a highly anticipated event in the football calendar.

The list of Ballon d'Or winners includes notable players from various countries. Lionel Messi holds the record for the most wins, with eight awards. Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award five times, while Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini have each won the award three times. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony marked a new chapter in the award's history, with Harry Kane becoming the first English player to win in 25 years.

Key points

  • Harry Kane is the first English player to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
  • Alexia Putellas secured her third Women's Ballon d'Or award.
  • The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony celebrated seven decades of the prestigious football award.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.