Harry Kane Tops 2026 Ballon d’Or Rankings, Mbappé Finishes Second

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has emerged as the winner of the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, leading a list of the world’s top footballers announced at the awards ceremony in London on Monday, October 26.

Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who came third. The result makes Kane the first Englishman to win the prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.

The 33-year-old England captain was recognised following an exceptional 2025/2026 campaign in which he scored 73 goals for club and country, helping Bayern retain their Bundesliga title and secure domestic silverware. He also finished as the German league’s leading scorer for the third consecutive season.

Spain midfielder Rodri finished fourth, while Argentina captain Lionel Messi placed fifth. Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came sixth, followed by teammate Ousmane Dembélé in seventh.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland occupied eighth position, with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise ninth. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz completed the top 10.

The final ranking was as follows:

* Harry Kane

* Kylian Mbappé

* Lamine Yamal

* Rodri

* Lionel Messi

* Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

* Ousmane Dembélé

* Erling Haaland

* Michael Olise

* Fabián Ruiz.

Kane’s victory followed a season in which his consistent scoring and contributions to Bayern’s domestic success strengthened his standing among the leading contenders. His Champions League campaign also yielded 14 goals, although Bayern’s run ended in the semi-finals.

The award ceremony marked the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or and was held at the London Palladium for the first time, departing from the event’s traditional Paris venue.

Other major honours included the women’s Ballon d’Or, won by Spain international Alexia Putellas, while Yamal received the men’s young talent award. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, and Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón won the men’s goalkeeper award.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian and charitable work, while Paris Saint-Germain was named men’s club of the year.

Kane’s triumph places him among the small group of English players to have won the award, ending a 25-year wait for another Englishman to claim football’s highest-profile individual honour.