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Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d’Or, Ends England Drought

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 22:14 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the first English winner in 25 years.
Kane outscored Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim the award.
He scored 73 goals for club and country in the 2025-26 season.
England manager Thomas Tuchel congratulated Kane, calling his performances deserving of formal recognition.

Summary

Harry Kane announced he will stay at Bayern Munich and not return to the Premier League this season.
He said his top priorities are winning the Champions League and securing an England major trophy.
Kane will fly back to Germany immediately for a DFB-Pokal tie, despite London celebrations.
He left open a future Premier League move, but only after achieving his current goals.

History

Michael Owen captured the Ballon d’Or on 18 December 2001, becoming the fourth English winner after Matthews, Charlton and Keegan and the first since 1979. His role in Liverpool’s 2000-01 cup treble and subsequent £8 million move to Real Madrid marked a rare high-profile transfer for an English striker. Harry Kane’s 2026 Ballon d’Or win echoes Owen’s breakthrough, highlighting a renewed English presence in Europe’s top individual honor.

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Historical Context

Michael Owen captured the Ballon d’Or on 18 December 2001, becoming the fourth English winner after Matthews, Charlton and Keegan and the first since 1979. His role in Liverpool’s 2000-01 cup treble and subsequent £8 million move to Real Madrid marked a rare high-profile transfer for an English striker. Harry Kane’s 2026 Ballon d’Or win echoes Owen’s breakthrough, highlighting a renewed English presence in Europe’s top individual honor.

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