By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which took place on Monday night (October 26, 2026), at London Palladium in London, England has proved that football does not always follow the script, as Bayern Munich forward, Harry Kane, was named the winner of the 70th edition of the awards, which was held outside of France for the first time.

‎Coming from the last 12 months, the England captain was neither the best player in the Bundesliga, the best player in the UEFA Champions League, nor the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‎Kane beat top contenders such as Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Rodri to the prestigious trophy.

‎The 33-year-old netted 61 goals at club level in the 2025/26 season as Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.

‎Kane also scored three goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as England finished third.

‎On the female category, Spain midfielder, Alexia Putellas, won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a record-equalling third time, keeping the prize in Spanish hands for a sixth consecutive year.

‎Putellas, 32, captained Barcelona to Champions League glory as part of a quadruple in 2025-26, before joining Women’s Super League (WSL) side, London City Lionesses in July.

‎She joins Spain team-mate, Aitana Bonmati, on three Ballon d’Or Feminin crowns – her former Barcelona colleague won the award in 2023, 2024, and 2025 after Putellas did so in 2021 and 2022.

‎Meanwhile, Arsenal and England star, Bukayo Saka, was named the 2026 Ballon d’Or Socrates Award for his support of charity and humanitarian services.

‎Saka emerged as this year’s Socrates Award winner for his humanitarian work and partnerships, with charities like Big Shoe to provide free medical care and humanitarian aid for children and indigent families in London and around the world.

‎Recounting the testimony of a 14-year-old Biringiro from Rwanda, whose eyesight was restored through Big Shoe medical aid.

‎“We know how it feels to be a child and having a ball at your feet and how much joy you have. Every time I have the opportunity to help another kid have that feeling again, that’s important to me. It’s an honour to be here, and it’s an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we’ve been able to help, thank you,” Saka said.

‎With the award, the Arsenal star has joined the likes of Sadio Mané, who won the first edition when it was introduced.

‎Introduced in 2022, the award, which recognises footballers for their humanitarian work worldwide, is named after the legendary Brazilian footballer.