Netizens on the internet have come together to celebrate Harry Kane winning the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or award. The Bayern Munich striker beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in the race for the honor as he became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to secure the prize.
Kane netted 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern last season, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. Notably, he scored a hat-trick in the DFB Pokal final win vs Stuttgart. The England captain continued his form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals as the Three Lions finished third.
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In the wake of Kane being crowned as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, fans online have tipped their hat towards the star striker. They described Kane as the deserved winner and saluted the remarkable turnaround in his career after the move to Bayern.
One fan wrote on X:
“Harry Kane going from football’s most famous trophyless player to a Ballon d’Or winner might be the greatest example of why changing employers can improve your life.”
Another supporter stated:
“No PR. No 1000 interviews. FOOTBALL WON.”
@oginisolomon added:
“Harry Kane used to be the symbol of failure in football, a laughing stock despite his individual excellence. Now, he is the best footballer in the world, and there is valid evidence to back it up. He is the latest Ballon d’Or winner, and it is thoroughly deserved.”
@JackWhitman_7 wrote:
“Give this man a Knighthood, legend of the game.”
@CFC_Janty said:
“From being mocked his entire career for not winning trophies to becoming a Ballon d’Or winner. What a turnaround. Fair play, Harry Kane.”
Kane is the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
Harry Kane reacts after winning 2026 Ballon d’Or
After being announced as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Harry Kane admitted he was left almost speechless. He thanked France Football and stated that the gala being held in London felt like a good omen.
Kane said:
“Wow, I’m almost speechless. First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event. Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur captain also added that he hopes his journey inspires young boys and girls to dream big. Kane pointed to how his way to the top was never straightforward and how he had to fight his way through many loan moves to get his big break at senior level.
He added:
“It’s just the journey. For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible.
“I hope my journey, it wasn’t straightforward, I didn’t go straight to the top, I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration, and thank you very much.”
Alexia Putellas was named as the women’s 2026 Ballon d’Or winner. You can check the complete list of winners here.
Edited by Nived Zenith
