Kane, Putellas win Ballon d’Or awards
England captain Harry Kane and Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, respectively, at the ceremony held in London on Monday evening.
Kane became the first Englishman to claim the prestigious award in 25 years, since Michael Owen in 2001.
The 33-year-old Bayern Munich talisman earned the recognition following a standout 2025-26 campaign in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, while helping Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga and German Cup double.
He was also named the Men’s Striker of the Year at the event.
Meanwhile, Putellas, who previously won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, became only the second woman to claim the prestigious award three times after compatriot Aitana Bonmatí.
The 32-year-old returned to the summit of women’s football after four years, following a trophy-laden final season with Barcelona that yielded four major titles, including the Uefa Women’s Champions League.
