Who was the last English player to win Ballon d'Or - and when was it?

Michael Owen was the last English player to win the Ballon d'Or in 2001 at age 22, after helping Liverpool win a treble.

Four Englishmen have won the Ballon d'Or. Sir Stanley Matthews won the first in 1956, followed by Sir Bobby Charlton after England's 1966 World Cup victory. Kevin Keegan remains the only Englishman to win it twice, in 1978 and 1979.

The most recent English winner was Michael Owen in 2001. At just 22 years old, the Liverpool striker received 176 points to beat Real Madrid's Raúl, who finished second with 140 points. Owen had an exceptional 2000/01 season, helping Liverpool win a treble of the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and League Cup. He scored 24 goals that year, including twice in 10 minutes during the FA Cup final, and was widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in world football.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard came close in 2005, finishing second and third respectively with 148 and 142 points, but Ronaldinho's 225 points proved too much to overcome. With three England players—Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice—nominated for the 2026 award, the ceremony will be held in London on October 26.