Harry Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the men’s Ballon d’Or. The England captain received football’s top individual award at London’s Palladium on 26 October, after scoring 73 goals for club and country in the 2025–26 season.

Kane is England’s fifth men’s Ballon d’Or winner, but the country’s six awards reflect five winners because Kevin Keegan won twice.

A first for London, and a fifth English winner

According to UEFA, it was the first time the ceremony had been held in London. Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in the voting.

His win adds to an English roll of honour that includes Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Keegan and Owen. Owen’s 2001 victory was the previous English win.

How Kane reached 73 goals

England Football reports that Kane scored 61 times for Bayern Munich and 12 times for England in 65 games. The split shows that his winning season was built across club and international football, not league matches alone.

  • Bayern Munich: 61 goals
  • England: 12 goals
  • Total: 73 goals in 65 games

The distinction matters: Scotland’s Denis Law and Northern Ireland’s George Best have also won the Ballon d’Or. Kane is England’s fifth winner, not the first from the United Kingdom.