Harry Kane walked away from the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London carrying a prize no Englishman had lifted in 25 years. The Bayern Munich striker claimed the men's award, ending a long wait for English football at the sport's most celebrated individual honour.
On the women's side, Spain's Alexia Putellas made history of her own. Her third Ballon d'Or win ties the all-time record for the women's prize, cementing her place as one of the most decorated players the game has ever seen.
Two winners, two records broken on the same night in London. The question now is who steps up next to challenge them.
Originally published by Premium Times.