The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in world football. Introduced by French football magazine France Football in 1956, the award has become a symbol of individual excellence and achievement in the sport.

Over the decades, the Ballon d'Or has been won by some of football's greatest legends, from Stanley Matthews, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Johan Cruyff to Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The latest name to join that illustrious list is Harry Kane, who won the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or after an outstanding season with Bayern Munich and England. In the women's category, Spain and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas claimed the award.

What Is the Ballon d'Or?

The Ballon d'Or, meaning “Golden Ball”, was created by France Football in 1956. The award recognizes the outstanding footballer of the year based on individual performances, team achievements and overall impact.

The award was originally limited to European players, but its eligibility was later expanded. Today, the Ballon d'Or is regarded as one of the highest individual honours a footballer can receive.

The men's award has been won eight times by Lionel Messi, the record holder. Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten have each won it three times.

Harry Kane Wins the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Harry Kane made history by winning his first Ballon d'Or in 2026.

The Bayern Munich and England striker finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal at the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. Mbappe finished second and Yamal third.

Kane's victory ended England's 25-year wait for the men's Ballon d'Or. Michael Owen was the last English winner, having claimed the award in 2001.

Kane became only the fifth Englishman to win the men's Ballon d'Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.

2026 Men's Ballon d'Or Top Five

1. Harry Kane — England, Bayern Munich

2. Kylian Mbappe — France, Real Madrid

3. Lamine Yamal — Spain, Barcelona

4. Rodri — Spain, Manchester City/Barcelona

5. Lionel Messi — Argentina, Inter Miami

Alexia Putellas Wins Women's Ballon d'Or

Alexia Putellas won the Women's Ballon d'Or in 2026, claiming the award for the third time.

The Spain international previously won the award in 2021 and 2022. Her latest triumph further strengthens her place among the most decorated individual players in women's football.

How Is the Ballon d'Or Decided?

France Football and L'Équipe select a shortlist of 30 players for the men's award and 30 for the women's award.

An international jury of journalists then ranks their top 10 players. The first-place selection receives 15 points, followed by 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point.

The player with the highest overall points total wins the award. If two players finish level, the number of first-place votes is used as the first tiebreaker, followed by second-place votes if necessary.

Men's Ballon d'Or Winners

The historical list is based on official Ballon d'Or records, with Harry Kane added as the 2026 winner.

Women's Ballon d'Or Winners

Players With the Most Ballon d'Or Wins

Lionel Messi — 8
Cristiano Ronaldo — 5
Johan Cruyff — 3
Michel Platini — 3
Marco van Basten — 3

Messi remains the record holder with eight men's Ballon d'Or victories, while Ronaldo is second with five.

The Five Most Recent Men's Winners

2026 — Harry Kane
2025 — Ousmane Dembélé
2024 — Rodri
2023 — Lionel Messi
2022 — Karim Benzema

Ballon d'Or 2026 at a Glance

• Men's Ballon d'Or: Harry Kane

• Women's Ballon d'Or: Alexia Putellas

• Men's runner-up: Kylian Mbappe

• Men's third place: Lamine Yamal

• Men's Young Player: Lamine Yamal

• Men's Goalkeeper: Unai Simón

• Men's Coach: Luis de la Fuente

• Men's Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain

• Venue: London Palladium

• Edition: 70th Ballon d'Or

•