Ballon d'Or Kane, Alexia and Barça shine in London

Harry Kane (33) and Alexia Putellas (32) lifted the 2026 Ballon d'Or in London, collecting the men's and women's awards at the London Palladium, 11 kilometres from Leytonstone, their neighbourhood, closing a circle that began 70 years ago with Stanley Matthews.

The historic circle closes

Seventy years after Stanley Matthews won the first edition of the Ballon d'Or, the English striker lifted the trophy again in his own city. Kin Cheung's feature highlights the symbolism of the award presented 11 kilometres from Leytonstone, the neighbourhood where Kane grew up.

In the men's competition, Kane beat Kylian Mbappé, who finished second, and Lamine Yamal, who took third place. Yamal himself, 17, also won the Young Talent award for the third consecutive year, ahead of Pau Cubarsí.

In the women's category, Catalan Alexia Putellas, now with the London City Lionesses, earned her third Ballon d'Or, ahead of her former Barça teammate Ewa Pajor, who finished second. With this triumph she equaled Aitana Bonmatí, also three‑time winner.

Barça dominates the gala

The blaugrana club took the bulk of the awards: Vicky López repeated the Best Female Talent award, beating Clara Serrajordi; Cata Coll was chosen Best Female Goalkeeper after a season crowned by the Barça's 4‑0 victory in the Champions final in Oslo against OL Lyonnes.

Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or in London

Pere Romeu received the award for Best Female Coach, becoming the first Barça manager to achieve it, and the women's team won the Best Female Team award after securing four titles in the season.

On the men's side, Luis de la Fuente was named Best Male Coach, surpassing Luis Enrique Martínez, PSG's manager, who in turn took the Best Male Team award. Unai Simón was crowned Best Male Goalkeeper, ahead of Joan Garcia, David Raya and Thibaut Courtois, who were present at the London Palladium.

Other awards included the Sócrates trophy for Bukayo Saka, for his work with the BigShoe association, and the Best Striker of the year awards for Harry Kane and Mexican Charlyn Corral. Kane said: "I didn't reach the top all at once, it was a path of ups and downs and you have to believe in yourself". Ferran Martínez Laporta added that Lamine deserved it "for talent and titles".

Kane wins Ballon d’Or at London Palladium

The night showed how the pioneers' legacy intertwines with the present, as Barça consolidates its influence in both men's and women's football and the Ballon d'Or once again connects generations.