The 2026 Ballon d'Or crowned English striker Harry Kane among the men and Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas among the women.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony honoured two players whose seasons left their mark on world football. In the men's category, the award goes to English striker Harry Kane, while in the women's category, Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has been named the best player of the year.
The trophy, awarded by France Football since 1956, rewards each season's individual and collective performances, taking into account results at club level as well as with national teams. The vote brings together specialist journalists from numerous countries, giving the award an international dimension.
For Harry Kane, this honour represents the culmination of a career marked by exceptional consistency in front of goal. An internationally renowned striker, he has combined finishing, positional sense and the ability to influence his team's play, qualities that caught the attention of the voters.
Alexia Putellas, for her part, confirms her place among the major figures of women's football. Her influence on the game, her vision and her consistency in the biggest fixtures have been widely praised, and this award underlines the growing importance of women's football in today's sporting landscape.
Beyond the two winners, this honours list highlights the diversity of talent that drives contemporary football. The nominees and the other players placed in the final rankings reflect the depth of quality reached in recent seasons, and each edition offers an opportunity to take stock of the game's emerging trends.
The trophy, awarded by France Football since 1956, rewards each season's individual and collective performances, taking into account results at club level as well as with national teams. The vote brings together specialist journalists from numerous countries, giving the award an international dimension.
For Harry Kane, this honour represents the culmination of a career marked by exceptional consistency in front of goal. An internationally renowned striker, he has combined finishing, positional sense and the ability to influence his team's play, qualities that caught the attention of the voters.
Alexia Putellas, for her part, confirms her place among the major figures of women's football. Her influence on the game, her vision and her consistency in the biggest fixtures have been widely praised, and this award underlines the growing importance of women's football in today's sporting landscape.
Beyond the two winners, this honours list highlights the diversity of talent that drives contemporary football. The nominees and the other players placed in the final rankings reflect the depth of quality reached in recent seasons, and each edition offers an opportunity to take stock of the game's emerging trends.
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Source: La Nouvelle République