LONDON, United Kingdom – Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez claimed the men’s and women’s young player awards respectively, while Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award as football’s biggest names were recognised at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The ceremony, held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, marked the 70th anniversary of the prestigious football awards, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs celebrating major honours.
Yamal collected the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award for the third consecutive year, extending his run of success in the category. His Barcelona teammate Vicky Lopez won the women’s award for the second year running.
Barcelona and PSG Take Club Honours
Barcelona were named Women’s Club of the Year, while Paris Saint-Germain received the Men’s Club of the Year award.
The recognition highlighted the two clubs’ achievements during the season, with Barcelona continuing to feature prominently in women’s football and PSG retaining the men’s club honour for a second consecutive year.
Barcelona’s success extended to the coaching and goalkeeping categories. Pere Romeu was named Women’s Coach of the Year, while Cata Coll won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente received the Men’s Coach of the Year award, and Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Saka Recognised for Work Beyond Football
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Sócrates Award, which recognises humanitarian and social initiatives by footballers.
The award recognised Saka’s charitable activities, including support for children in Nigeria, donations of school uniforms and football boots, and efforts to address racism and online abuse.
The honour recognises contributions away from the pitch, placing the spotlight on how footballers use their public profiles and resources to support communities.
Kane and Corral Win Striker Awards
Bayern Munich and England forward Harry Kane was named Men’s Striker of the Year, while Mexico international Charlyn Corral, who plays for CF Pachuca, received the Women’s Striker of the Year award.
Their recognition added to a ceremony that celebrated achievements across men’s and women’s football, from individual performances to coaching, goalkeeping, youth development and community work.
Full List of Winners in the Announced Categories
- Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal – Barcelona/Spain
- Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky Lopez – Barcelona/Spain
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu – Barcelona
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente – Spain
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll – Barcelona/Spain
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simón – Athletic Club/Spain
- Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal/England
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women’s Striker of the Year: Charlyn Corral – CF Pachuca/Mexico
- Men’s Striker of the Year: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England
