Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending England's 25-year wait
Thomas Tuchel congratulated the Bayern Munich forward, while Wembley Stadium's arch was illuminated in gold to mark his achievement.
Harry Kane was named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner after a vote by 100 journalists, prompting a congratulatory message from England manager Thomas Tuchel. The Bayern Munich forward led a field of 30 shortlisted players, ahead of runner-up Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and Barcelona's third-placed Lamine Yamal.
In his statement, Tuchel said Kane's performances had earned recognition from the football world. He described the 25-year gap since an English player last received the award as making the occasion especially significant, and said England was fortunate to have Kane as its leader.
Kane used his acceptance speech at the London Palladium to acknowledge the managers who had helped him, among them Tuchel and Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany. He singled out the leadership of Tuchel and England's staff, praising their efforts to push standards.
Michael Owen, in 2001, was the previous English recipient. The country's other winners include Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan, whose awards came in 1978 and 1979. Wembley marked Kane's success by lighting its arch in gold.
