The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on October 26 at the London Palladium in England, the first time the event was held in London. The 70th edition of football’s most prestigious individual awards celebrated the season’s leading players, coaches and clubs, with Harry Kane winning the men’s Ballon d’Or and Alexia Putellas claiming the women’s award.
The ceremony also featured the Sócrates Award, which recognised social impact, and the Kopa Trophy, presented to the best young male player.
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane takes the top prize
Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season with Bayern Munich. The England captain became the first Englishman to receive the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, who placed second, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who came in third. The Bayern striker also received the Men’s Striker of the Year award after scoring 73 goals for club and country during the 2025–26 campaign, according to UEFA.
Men’s Ballon d’Or: Top 10
- Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
- Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
- Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
- Rodri – Manchester City/Barcelona
- Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain
- Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain
- Erling Haaland – Manchester City
- Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
- Fabián Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain
Brazilian nominees: Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos and Vinícius Júnior
Brazil had three representatives on the 30-player shortlist for the men’s Ballon d’Or: Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.
Their nominations highlighted Brazilian talent across different positions and major European clubs. However, none of the three made the final top 10.
Brazil also had representation in the women’s awards, with Kansas City current goalkeeper Lorena nominated for both the Women’s Ballon d’Or and the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas wins again
Alexia Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, claiming the title for the third time in her career after previous victories in 2021 and 2022.
The Spanish midfielder added another individual distinction to her career and further strengthened her place among the most successful players in the award’s history. Barcelona’s women’s team also received recognition during the ceremony, highlighting the club’s continued presence at the top of the women’s game.
Lamine Yamal wins the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year
Lamine Yamal continued to build his reputation as one of football’s leading young talents by winning the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year.
The Barcelona forward first won the award in 2024, retained it in 2025, and completed his three-year run in 2026. The trophy recognises the best male player aged 21 or under and is voted on by former Ballon d’Or winners.
Yamal’s latest victory came on the same night he finished third in the main men’s Ballon d’Or ranking. At 19, the Spanish international has already made a name for himself among football’s elite, combining three consecutive Kopa victories with another top-three finish in the main ranking.
Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka recognised for social impact
Arsenal and England forward Saka received the 2026 Sócrates Award, which recognises footballers involved in solidarity initiatives and social causes.
Presented by France Football in partnership with Peace and Sport, the award shifts the spotlight beyond sporting achievements, recognising how footballers can support communities and contribute to social change.
Saka’s recognition added a social dimension to a ceremony otherwise centred on individual performances, statistics, and team success, reminding audiences that football’s influence extends far beyond the pitch.
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The article above was edited by Júlia Batista.
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