Ballon d'Or website blunder causes confusion

Newswire and Sri Lanka Mirror report that Harry Kane received the men’s Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in London. Newswire says the event was delayed by rain and traffic. WhatNews (සිංහල), Ada Derana, Hiru News, Hiru News (தமிழ்) and Hiru News (සිංහල) also report Kane’s win, with several identifying the award as the 2026 prize.

Newswire and Sri Lanka Mirror report that Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Sri Lanka Mirror reports that the 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker scored 61 goals in 51 club games, and 73 goals with eight assists across 65 club and England appearances. Newswire says he won a league and cup double with Bayern.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that Kane is the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001 and the fifth Englishman to win overall, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan. It also identifies Scotland’s Denis Law and Northern Ireland’s George Best as other winners from the United Kingdom. Sri Lanka Mirror adds that Kane won despite Bayern not claiming the Champions League and England not winning the World Cup last season; the report says both teams lost in the semi-finals. It also describes Kane as the first Bayern player to win since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

Newswire reports that Kane became emotional during his acceptance speech and credited voters, while Sri Lanka Mirror says he spoke to Dazn about overcoming setbacks and relying on self-belief and hard work. Sri Lanka Mirror reports that England manager Thomas Tuchel welcomed the result and that Prince William praised Kane’s leadership and playing ability.

Newswire reports that Alèxia Putellas won the women’s award for the third time. It says she captained Barcelona Femení to four trophies, including the Women’s Champions League, before signing for London City Lionesses in England this summer. Newswire says national journalists vote for the men’s and women’s awards, ranking 10 players, with points allocated according to ranking.