‘Wow, wow, wow’: Harry Kane beats Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to win Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane has been named winner of the Ballon d’Or, one of football’s most prestigious accoladesFormer Barcelona player Alexia Putellas was named the winner of the women’s Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in London on Monday night. She was presented with her award by former Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen. “Incredible experiences as a team, we overcome some difficulties, some injuries, some moments we weren’t expecting as a team and a great pride for me as captain,” she said.Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane, who was presented with his award by ex-Brazil striker Ronaldo, said: “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.READ MORE“Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve.”Alexia Putellas poses after receiving the Ballon d'Or award for the best female footballer. Photograph: Franck Fife/Getty Kane’s incredible 73-goal haul last season for club and country earned him the award from French magazine France Football.Earlier in the evening, most of the awards in the various categories had gone to Spanish teams or players. The winner of the men’s coach of the year was Luis de la Fuente, who guided Spain to victory in the World Cup in summer.In an error earlier on Monday, the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé as winner of the 2026 men’s award.Hours before the ceremony for the 70th edition of the individual accolade at Palladium Theatre in London, chaos descended when a link emerged announcing England captain Kane had received the honour.“A record-breaking welter of league and cup goals in 2025/26 has propelled Harry Kane to Ballon d’Or success,” read the story on the official website of the prestigious France Football prize.However, further links were subsequently found to articles hailing Real Madrid forward Mbappe and Barcelona winger Yamal as victors.Robbie Keane was among the guests at the London ceremony. Photograph: Toby Shepheard/Getty All three versions were taken down before the ceremony began.Ballon d’Or organisers were contacted for comment on the apparent leaks, which could potentially have confirmed the top three for this year’s award. – Press AssociationWinners on the nightMen’s young talent of the year: Lamine Yamal, of Barcelona and SpainWomen’s young talent of the year: Vicky López, of Barcelona and SpainWomen’s coach of the year: Pere Romeu, of BarcelonaMen’s coach of the year: Luis de la Fuente, Spain managerWomen’s goalkeeper of the year: Cata Coll, of Barcelona and SpainMen’s goalkeeper of the year: Unai Simón, of Athletic Bilbao and SpainSocrates award for social action and humanitarianism: Bukayo Saka, of Arsenal and EnglandWomen’s club of the year: BarcelonaMen’s club of the year: Paris Saint-GermainWomen’s striker of the year: Charlyn Corral, of Pachuca and MexicoMen’s striker of the year: Harry Kane, of Bayern Munich and EnglandWomen’s Ballon d’Or winner: Alexia Putellas, of Barcelona and SpainMen’s Ballon d’Or winner: Harry Kane