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Harry Kane has been named the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, capping a remarkable twelve months in which the Bayern Munich and England forward scored 73 goals across 65 matches for club and country between August 2025 and July 2026.

In the Bundesliga season just concluded, Kane scored 61 goals and contributed seven assists in 51 appearances for Bayern, helping the club win the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and the German Super Cup. He finished as the Bundesliga’s top scorer and claimed the Golden Boot, awarded by UEFA to the leading scorer across its member associations’ top divisions.

Kane also featured prominently for England at the World Cup, netting six times and adding one assist across seven matches as the national side finished third. His combined tally of 73 goals in 65 competitive games across the eligibility period formed the statistical backbone of his Ballon d’Or campaign. He was additionally recognised as the best striker of the year at the ceremony.

Women’s award and other honours

Spain’s Alexia Putellas, playing for London City Lionesses, claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in her career. Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young male player, while Barcelona midfielder Vicky López was named best young female player.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year. Pep Romeu of Barcelona took the equivalent honour in women’s football. Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Yashin Trophy for best male goalkeeper, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll was recognised as the best female goalkeeper.

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka won the Sócrates Award, given for humanitarian work. Barcelona were named the best women’s club of the year, while Paris Saint-Germain took the men’s equivalent. Mexico and Pachuca forward Charlene Corral was named best female striker.

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Malika focuses on public datasets, government financial disclosures and evidence-based reporting. Her work uses public information to explain spending patterns, institutional performance and broader governance trends.