World

Kane, Putellas and Simón triumph at 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony

Harry Kane wins his first Ballon d'Or while Alexia Putellas claims her third women's award at a London ceremony where Spain sweeps eight of twelve major prizes.

27 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Kane, Putellas and Simón triumph at 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony — Archive photoPhoto: Unknown author Unknown author · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place in London with Harry Kane claiming the game's most prestigious individual award for the first time. Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or for the third time, matching the tally of Aitana Bonmatí. Putellas, now a player for London City Lionesses, was among the standout winners of an evening when Spain claimed eight of the twelve main awards.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón Mendibil took home the Lev Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the men's category. In the women's competition, Cata Coll received the equivalent honour. Luis de la Fuente was named best men's football coach, while Pere Romeu won the same recognition in the women's category, marking the first time a Barcelona coach has received this Ballon d'Or distinction.

Lamine Yamal and Vicky López won the awards for best young player in their respective categories. Pere Romeu, the Barcelona coach, celebrated his prize by noting it was an honour to receive it on an important night for world football. Unai Simón expressed his gratitude to his parents, his partner and his childhood friends.

Before the official ceremony, exclusive Ballon d'Or media outlets reportedly published stories in error that announced winners across different categories, prematurely revealing the three top favourites and the reasons for their wins. This incident preceded the official awards presentation.

Alexia Putellas attended the ceremony wearing a Dior design honouring Athena Nike, a figure from Greek mythology associated with victory, strength and wisdom. The choice of the player's outfit was seen as reflecting her sporting career and her approach to football.

The 2026 edition marks the eighth Ballon d'Or ceremony in its women's category, an award that has existed since 2018 when Ada Hegerberg won it for the first time. Spain's dominance at this ceremony reinforces the country's position in the international football landscape.

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