The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been unveiled, naming the elite male and female footballers who are being considered for the sport's most prestigious individual accolade. Among the men’s candidates, England’s prolific striker Harry Kane stands out as a frontrunner, and bookmakers have even positioned him as the favorite to lift the trophy. Kane’s remarkable tally of 73 goals during the previous campaign marked one of the most productive seasons of his career.
Such a prolific output has reignited talk that he could become the first Englishman to claim the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001. His nomination is part of a 30‑player long‑list that also includes two of his countrymen: midfield dynamo Jude Bellingham and defensive stalwart Declan Rice. Both Bellingham and Rice have been instrumental for England and their clubs, adding depth to the English representation on the shortlist. The list is not limited to English talent.
Other Premier League luminaries have also earned a place among the nominees. Bruno Fernandes, whose creative flair has been a constant for Manchester United, appears alongside the ever‑dangerous Erling Haaland, the Norwegian forward who continues to break records at Manchester City. Defenders Gabriel, the Brazilian centre‑back who has anchored Arsenal’s back line, and William Saliba, the young French stopper who has become a mainstay at Arsenal, round out the English‑based selections. Beyond the Premier League, the competition for the award features a global array of stars.
Young Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, Argentine legend Lionel Messi, and French superstar Kylian Mbappé are all expected to mount serious challenges to Kane’s bid. Their inclusion underscores the international nature of the award and the high level of performance required to be considered.
Notably absent from the men’s list is Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite a successful season in the Saudi Pro League with Al‑Nassr, the Portuguese icon was not granted a nomination. His omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits, who wonder whether the selection panel placed greater emphasis on achievements in Europe’s top leagues and major international tournaments. On the women’s side, England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have secured spots among the 30 players shortlisted for the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Their nominations reflect the growing strength of the English women’s game and the increasing visibility of female talent on the world stage. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October 2026, with London set to host the gala.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from the French magazine France Football, working in collaboration with the French sports daily L’Équipe. Their task was to narrow down a global pool of candidates to a manageable shortlist that represents the season’s most outstanding performers.
The voting mechanism for the men’s award involves a journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA‑ranked nations. Each journalist submits a ranked list of ten players from the 30‑person shortlist. Points are allocated on a descending scale: the first‑place choice receives 15 points, the second‑place 12 points, the third‑place 10 points, followed by 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point for the remaining positions.
In the event of a tie on total points, the number of first‑place votes is used as the first tiebreaker, followed by second‑place votes, and so on, until a clear winner emerges. When casting their ballots, journalists are urged to weigh three primary criteria: the individual’s personal performances and moments of brilliance, the impact of those performances on their team’s success, and the overall achievements of the player’s club or national side during the season. This balanced approach aims to reward both personal excellence and contributions to collective triumphs. The women’s Ballon d’Or follows an identical voting structure, though the pool of journalists is limited to representatives from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations, reflecting the slightly smaller scale of the women’s game in terms of global media coverage.
The same point distribution and tiebreaking procedures apply, ensuring parity between the two awards. Beyond the awards themselves, the Ballon d’Or continues to be a cultural touchstone for football fans worldwide. The anticipation surrounding the ceremony, the debates over nominees, and the final announcement generate extensive discussion across social media, sports shows, and fan forums. The event not only celebrates individual brilliance but also highlights the narratives that have defined the season—dramatic comebacks, historic goals, and breakthrough performances.
As the date approaches, supporters of Kane, Bellingham, Rice, and the other nominees will be closely monitoring the final weeks of the season, hoping that their chosen players can add the finishing touches to an already impressive résumé. Whether the award ultimately goes to a seasoned veteran like Messi, a rising star such as Yamal, or a surprise contender, the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises to be a memorable chapter in football history. Fans are also encouraged to engage with related promotions, such as the "Super 6" competition, which offers a chance to win a £1 million prize at no cost. While the focus remains on the sport’s greatest individual honor, these ancillary events add an extra layer of excitement for the global audience.