Ballon d'Or RECAP: Harry Kane WINS to become the first English star to claim football's biggest individual prize since Michael Owen - beating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal

By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 23:43 GMT, 26 October 2026

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog of the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony as Harry Kane becomes the first English Ballon d'Or winner for 25 years, after the ceremony travelled to London for the first time in its history. 

23:56

Kane - 'I hope this can give you inspiration'

An inspiring message from Kane during his speech.

For any young boy wanting to achieve their dreams, learn through resilience, determination and self-belief, I hope this can give you inspiration.

23:51

Women's Top 10 rankings!

And for the women, here's how they ranked behind winner Alexia Putellas.

Alessia Russo provided the English representation in the top 10!

1: Alexia Putellas

2: Ewa Pajor

3: Khadija Shaw

4: Melchie Dumornay

5: Patri Guijarro

6: Caroline Graham Hansen

7: Pernille Harder

8: Claudia Pina

9: Alessia Russo

10: Temwa Chawinga

23:46

Men's top 10 rankings!

In among Kane's crowning glory tonight, the rest of the Ballon d'Or rankings were announced.

Here is that top 10 in full, with the England captain just edging out rivals Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

1: Harry Kane

2: Kylian Mbappé

3: Lamine Yamal

4: Rodri

5: Lionel Messi

6: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

7: Ousmane Dembélé

8: Erling Haaland

9: Michael Olise

10: Fabián Ruiz

23:44

Tuchel sends his congratulations

Thomas Tuchel has paid tribute to England's captain.

I expect there will be many more of these rolling in over the next 24 hours.

Here's what he had to say:

Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon D’Or!

I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I’m delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.

To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.

I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.

23:41

Kane pays tribute to Spurs

I thought Kane's speech was brilliant and there were plenty of thank yous in there to family, friends, team-mates, managers and more.

But one bit of gratitude that might stand out were his words to boyhood club Tottenham.

Kane didn't have a smooth journey early in his career, enduring a series of difficult EFL loans, but Spurs stuck by him throughout.

I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham for sure. I was there from 11-years-old, you allowed me to live my dream. Without all of those moments and ups and downs along the way, it's led me to this moment here today. So thank you to Tottenham Hotspur.

23:32

A wonderful night for Kane

What an amazing night for English football and Harry Kane and you cannot begrudge him this success one bit.

He really is a wonderful footballer and superb role model for people around the world and young footballers.

Kane edged out some serious talent to win this award and you can read the full story below...

23:27

The best striker in the world

23:22

23:18

'A wonderful ambassador'

Oliver Holt at the London Palladium:

Harry Kane a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or. A magnificent striker and a complete number 9 and a wonderful ambassador for England football.

23:11

Henry - 'A worthy winner'

Thierry Henry has just paid tribute to Kane and described him as a 'worthy winner'.

Kane is then joined by Alexia Putellas as they pose together for photos.

Kane is really taking it in as he breathes in and out on stage before embracing Henry and Kate Abdo.

What a great moment and night for these two to mark incredible years in their careers.

23:08

Kane pays tribute

This has been a lovely speech from Harry Kane and he's just listed some of his former Tottenham academy coaches and others from his career, including Russell Slade, Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason.

Kane has also thanked his doctor, his wife's family (who are on the verge of tears) and his brother Charlie.

This is really emotional and Kane looks like he could cry too as he talks about 'sacrifices' his parents made.

What a fine leader and inspirational role model he is!

He finishes by thanking his kids (despite them staying up 'past their bedtime') and adds: 'I want to set a good example as a father, a professional and what it means to believe in yourself.'

He then describes Kate as his 'best friend, biggest support': 'I feel like you wanted this more than me. The anxious wait was horrible but here it is, we've done it. You always want the best for me, you sacrifice yourself and it wouldn't be possible without you. We celebrate this. Thank you, I love you.'

23:01

England's Golden Boy!

More touching words from Harry Kane on stage:

To Vinny (Kompany) and all the staff, the way we train and the way you push us, it's a credit to all of you. I'm improved as a player, person and a leader and that's thanks to you. It's an honour to represent Bayern Munich so I'm glad to be bringing this trophy back for sure.

To all of my England team-mates, Bukayo is here tonight representing them. Again, the same. We had a special year, it wasn't the perfect year but we built a great bond and togetherness in the World Cup. It's truly an honour to captain and lead you so this one is for all of us for sure.

The way Thomas Tuchel and the staff lead us and push standards, it's an honour to represent you. Thanks to everyone at the FA, it's truly an honour to be your captain.

Thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well. I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham for sure. I was there from 11-years-old, you allowed me to live my dream. Without all of those moments and ups and downs along the way, it's led me to this moment here today. So thank you to Tottenham hotspur.

To all the fans and my fans around the world, a lot of you are here tonight, your support I appreciate it all. I remember being a fan not long ago and what it means to play football, so anytime I can give back to you guys it's a real honour and a privilege to do so.