Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or as Bayern celebrates his return

Harry Kane's first Ballon d'Or followed a prolific season for Bayern Munich. France24 described the Bayern Munich and England striker's campaign as record-breaking, while CBC linked his victory to his scoring last season.

The award also ended two long waits. Kane became the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen in 2001, according to Japan Times. Euronews reported that he was the first Bundesliga player to receive the trophy since Matthias Sammer.

On October 26, Kane won the men's award at the ceremony in London. Kylian Mbappé finished second and Lamine Yamal third, according to Panorama.

Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for a record-equaling third time, CBC reported. Yamal also left with an award: his third consecutive Kopa Trophy for Young Talent of the Year, an unprecedented run, according to Times now.

The presentation itself drew criticism. On October 27, Indian Express reported premature declarations of winners and boos over advertising breaks during the three-hour ceremony. Those complaints concerned the event's handling, rather than any reported change to the final result.

Kane returned to Bayern on October 27 to a hero's welcome, ESPN FC reported. After celebrating in London, he also took part in training that afternoon ahead of the German Cup match against Magdeburg, according to L'Équipe.

On October 28, Bayern gave Kane a guard of honour before their German Cup second-round match, ESPN FC reported. Bayern then beat Magdeburg 6-1, with Kane remaining on the bench, according to L'Équipe.

Kane's victory is confirmed, with the focus now shifting from the ceremony to his return to club football. The reception continued in Munich, where L'Équipe reported that 75,000 spectators attended the cup match and attention centred on the new Ballon d'Or winner despite his not playing.

The result has also prompted discussion about his future at Bayern. Former World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus said the award would help keep Kane at the club and described their relationship as 'perfect', according to Al Jazeera. That is Matthaus's assessment, not a reported contract decision.

Bayern's next league test is against Dortmund, according to DER SPIEGEL. After being rested against Magdeburg, Kane's return to match action is the immediate sporting focus.