Prince William congratulates Harry Kane as the Bayern Munich striker becomes the first English Ballon d'Or winner since 2001.
England captain Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner, cementing his status as the best men's footballer in the world following an incredible season with Bayern Munich and the national team.
The historic achievement on Monday evening made Kane the first English player to claim the prestigious individual award since Michael Owen secured the honor back in 2001, finishing ahead of rival contenders in the global voting.
Following the announcement, Prince William publicly praised the striker on social media, hailing him as a brilliant captain and a remarkable player, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or
The 33-year-old forward finished clear of football stars like Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Lionel Messi in the final 2026 voting. His exceptional form at club level served as the foundation for this global recognition.
Kane scored an astonishing 61 goals in 51 matches across all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, earning a second European golden boot in advance of the international World Cup tournament.
Royal seal of approval from Prince William
As patron of the Football Association and heir to the British throne, Prince William took to Instagram to share his admiration for the Londoner, noting how the player has given fans unforgettable moments.
The royal regularly attends England fixtures and is known to follow football closely, watching the striker carve out a phenomenal career that now includes the biggest individual accolade in the sport.
Historic milestone for Bayern Munich and England
Kane is also the first Bayern Munich player to win the award since 1981, when the great Karl-Heinz Rummenigge took home the trophy for the second consecutive year during the peak era of German Bundesliga dominance.
Having previously starred for Tottenham Hotspur, the English skipper is now a two-time Bundesliga champion and a DFB-Pokal winner after moving abroad to collect the silverware he craved.
Chasing international goal records
During the World Cup, Kane led England to the semi-finals and scored another six goals, further demonstrating his consistency on the international stage before finishing his campaign with a third-place play-off victory.
When the veteran forward parades his golden trophy ahead of his record 126th cap against Croatia at Wembley next month, he will stand just nine goals short of reaching his international century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Ballon d'Or?
England captain Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, becoming the first English player to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Why did Prince William congratulate Harry Kane?
Prince William, who serves as the patron of the Football Association and heir to the British throne, congratulated Kane on Instagram for his fantastic achievement and remarkable career.
How many goals did Harry Kane score for Bayern Munich?
Harry Kane scored 61 goals in 51 matches in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, helping him secure the Ballon d'Or and a European golden boot.
Who were the other top players in the 2026 Ballon d'Or voting?
Harry Kane finished clear of Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Lionel Messi in the final 2026 voting to be crowned the best men's footballer in the world.
