England international Harry Kane and Spain’s Alexia Putellas have won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, respectively, at the 70th edition of the ceremony held at the London Palladium in England on Monday, October 26.
Kane secured the men’s award after an outstanding 2025-26 season with Bayern Munich, while Putellas claimed the women’s prize following a successful campaign with Barcelona, where she helped the club win a treble before joining London City Lionesses in July.
The ceremony was the first Ballon d’Or gala to take place outside France since the award was established in 1956.
It was also the first time since 2001 that an English player had won the men’s honour.
Football presenter Kate Scott and former France international Thierry Henry hosted the ceremony, which celebrated outstanding performances by players, coaches and clubs during the season.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won the men’s Young Talent of the Year award for the third consecutive time, having previously claimed the prize in 2024 and 2025, while Vicky López retained the women’s title.
Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named Men’s Coach of the Year, while Barcelona manager Pere Romeu emerged as the winner in the women’s category.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón took home the men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the women’s prize.
Paris Saint-Germain were crowned Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona received the women’s club award.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian efforts and football-related social initiatives.
Meanwhile, Mexico international Charlyn Corral, who represents Pachuca, was named Women’s Striker of the Year.
The ceremony also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, with London chosen in recognition of England’s Stanley Matthews, the first recipient of the award in 1956.
