Ballon d'Or website blunder causes confusion

WhatNews (සිංහල), Sri Lanka Mirror and Ada Derana report that Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich and England forward, won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or. Sri Lanka Mirror says the ceremony took place in London and describes Kane, aged 33, as the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that Kylian Mbappé, representing Real Madrid and France, finished second, with Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal third. The outlet lists Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan among earlier English winners, and says Kane is the country’s fifth recipient. WhatNews (සිංහල) also identifies Mbappé as a runner-up.

Newswire reports that Alèxia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or. Ada Derana (தமிழ்) describes the awards as annual honours for leading men’s and women’s players.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club matches for Bayern last season and 73 goals, with eight assists, across 65 matches including England appearances. It also says he did not win either the World Cup or Champions League, reaching the semi-finals of both.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that Kane discussed overcoming difficult periods early in his career in comments to Dazn, and that England manager Thomas Tuchel welcomed the award. The outlet also reports that Prince William praised Kane’s leadership and playing ability. Sri Lanka Mirror says Kane is the first Bayern player to win the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.