Ballon d'Or winner revealed after "triple leak" blunder

Harry Kane has been crowned the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or winner despite an earlier blunder which saw three superstars named the recipient of the coveted award.

Hours before award ceremony got under way, three separate articles naming Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe went live.

The stories were quickly removed form the website but the damage was done.

England fans erupted in celebrations, according to media outlets in London with the UK not having had a player win since Michael Owen in 2001.

"Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or: Here are his best and most meaningful strikes from a 61-goal season," the headline read.

When asked what had happened by the BBC, a Ballon d'Or spokesperson said: "Some profiles of nominees prepared by BallonDor.com were inadvertently published online.

"These articles had been prepared for all nominees and should in no way be considered as an indication of the final results or rankings"

Accepting his award, Kane said: “First of all, I am almost speechless. Lucky I have this list.

"It being in London is extra special and felt like a good omen. Thanks to those who voted for me, as it would have been tough this year. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners tonight.

“Thanks to my teammates who are here tonight. It is an honour to play for Bayern Munich and represent you.”

WINNERS:

• Harry Kane wins Men’s Ballon d’Or
• Alexia Putellas wins Women’s Ballon d’Or
• PSG win Men’s Club of the Year
• Barcelona win Women’s Club of the Year
• Bukayo Saka wins the Socrates Award
• Unai Simon wins Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
• Cata Coll wins Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
• Luis de la Fuente wins Men’s Coach of the Year
• Pere Romeu wins Women’s Coach of the Year
• Vicky Lopez named Women’s Young Talent of the Year
• Lamine Yamal named Men’s Young Talent of the Year