Ballon d’Or — Messi misses out on podium finish despite historic World Cup

Kane’s prolific campaign, which included a domestic treble with Bayern and a strong showing for England at the World Cup, proved decisive.

Football OFFICIAL: 2026 Ballon d’Or Top 10 Revealed as Harry Kane Takes the Crown! Kylian Mbappe finished second and Lamine Yamal third after Spain’s World Cup triumph. Rodri placed fourth, while eight-time winner Lionel Messi could only manage fifth despite guiding Argentina to the World Cup final in what many viewed as a historic swansong on the international stage.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)

Kane’s triumph caps a remarkable individual season and ends a long wait for English football at the ceremony.