Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas are crowned at the 2026 Ballon d’Or gala
The London Palladium Theatre was the stage for a historic night for world football. The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony crowned Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas as the top exponents of men’s and women’s football, respectively, in a gala marked by sporting excellence and the dominance of FC Barcelona.
Harry Kane reaches world glory
Bayern Munich’s English striker, Harry Kane, claimed his first Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary campaign in which he recorded 73 goals and eight assists. Kane surpassed Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal in the voting. With this achievement, the attacker joins the select list of English legends who have lifted the trophy, such as Bobby Charlton and Michael Owen.
Kane’s consecration marks a milestone in his career, consolidating him as one of the most lethal goalscorers in the recent history of European football.
The triumphant return of Alexia Putellas
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas reclaimed her place at the pinnacle of world football by winning her third Ballon d’Or. The Spaniard interrupted the hegemony of her teammate Aitana Bonmatí and used her acceptance speech to reflect on her recovery process after overcoming various injuries that tested her resilience.
FC Barcelona dominates the awards
The blue and red institution reaffirmed its global hegemony with a historic harvest of trophies:
- Lamine Yamal: Kopa Trophy for the best young player (third consecutive year).
- Vicky López: Recognition for the best young female player.
- Cata Coll: Trophy for the best goalkeeper.
- Pere Romeu: Awarded as best coach.
- FC Barcelona: Officially chosen as the best club in the world.
Other highlights of the night
The gala also recognized the talent and social work of other sports figures:
- Unai Simón: Yashin Trophy for the best male goalkeeper.
- Luis de la Fuente: Distinguished as the best coach of the year.
- Charlyn Corral: Gerd Müller Award as best forward.
- Bukayo Saka: Awarded the Socrates Award for his outstanding humanitarian impact.
Despite an incident prior to the ceremony, where the names of the male finalists were accidentally leaked on the official website, the event was held successfully, reaffirming Kane and Putellas as the undisputed figures of the 2026 season.
