Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in London on October 27, 2026, the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001, after 81 goal involvements and a domestic treble with Bayern Munich. He is the first Bundesliga winner since 1996 and the first Bayern player since 1981. Alexia Putellas took the women's award for a third time, matching Aitana Bonmati's record. The Ballon d'Or website briefly published prepared winner articles, including one naming Kane, before the ceremony. Mbappe finished second and Lamine Yamal third. The early publication is now part of the story, though the awards themselves stand.