Harry Kane Wins First Ballon d'Or as Alexia Putellas Claims Third

Harry Kane has been awarded the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years. The ceremony, held in London for the first time, honored Kane’s record-breaking 2025–2026 season with Bayern Munich and the England national team Source: El Colombiano.

Kane scored 73 goals across club and country, including six at the World Cup where he captained England to a third-place finish. His tally surpassed Gary Lineker’s long-standing record for England in World Cups and contributed to Bayern’s domestic double Source: Hoy. While Kylian Mbappé finished second and Lamine Yamal third, Kane’s consistent output secured his victory over other top contenders like Lionel Messi and Rodri Source: Listín Diario.

In the women’s category, Spain’s Alexia Putellas won her third Ballon d’Or, ending Aitana Bonmatí’s three-year reign. Putellas, who recently moved to London City Lionesses, led Barcelona to multiple titles before her transfer Source: Listín Diario. Her win marks a significant return to form after injury setbacks that had previously sidelined her Source: El Colombiano.

The event also recognized Luis de la Fuente as Best Coach, with Unai Simon and Lamine Yamal taking goalkeeper and Young Player awards respectively Source: El Colombiano. The shift to London emphasized the award’s global reach, organized jointly by France Football and UEFA since 2024 Source: El Colombiano.

• Kane becomes the fifth English winner, following Michael Owen (2001) Source: La República
• Putellas ends Bonmatí’s streak after the latter’s injury Source: Listín Diario
• Ceremony highlights resilience and hard work, per Kane’s acceptance speech Source: Listín Diario