The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been released, identifying the top male and female footballers of the season. Among the men’s contenders, England’s prolific striker Harry Kane stands out as a leading candidate and is currently the favorite according to betting markets.
Kane’s tally of 73 goals in the previous campaign marked one of the most productive periods of his career, and a win would see him become the first Englishman to lift the award since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001. Joining Kane on the 30‑player long list are his England teammates Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, both of whom have enjoyed standout seasons at both club and international level.
The list also features a host of other Premier League stars, including midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes, goal‑machine Erling Haaland, versatile defender Gabriel, and the emerging talent William Saliba, all of whom have been named among the nominees. Internationally, the competition for the coveted trophy is fierce. Young Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, Argentine legend Lionel Messi, and French superstar Kylian Mbappé are all expected to mount serious challenges to Kane’s bid. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo does not appear on the shortlist, despite his recent success in the Saudi Pro League with Al‑Nassr, a surprising omission that has sparked discussion among fans and pundits alike.
On the women’s side, England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are among the 30 athletes nominated for the female Ballon d'Or. Their inclusion reflects the growing depth and quality of the women’s game in the United Kingdom and across Europe. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from France Football in collaboration with the French sports daily L’Équipe. For the men’s award, the final decision rests on a voting system that involves one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA‑ranked nations. Each journalist submits a ranking of their top ten players from the thirty‑man shortlist.
Points are allocated as follows: 15 points for a first‑place vote, 12 for second, 10 for third, then 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point for the remaining positions. In the event of a tie on total points, the player with the greater number of first‑place votes is placed higher.
If a tie persists, the count moves to second‑place votes, then third, and so on, until a distinction is made. Journalists are asked to weigh three primary criteria when casting their ballots: the individual’s personal performances and impact, the player’s character and ability to decide matches; the achievements and success of the player’s team; and the overall significance of those contributions within the season. The women’s Ballon d’Or follows a similar voting framework, but only journalists from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations are invited to participate. This streamlined approach reflects the slightly smaller pool of nations with a strong women’s football infrastructure, while still ensuring a broad, global perspective.
Beyond the awards themselves, the event serves as a celebration of the sport’s global reach and the extraordinary talent that defines each generation. The inclusion of players like Kane, Bellingham and Rice underscores England’s resurgence on the world stage, while the absence of Ronaldo highlights the shifting dynamics of football stardom. As the ceremony approaches, fans worldwide will be watching closely to see who ultimately receives the prestigious golden ball, a symbol of individual excellence in a fundamentally team‑oriented sport. For those interested in following the ceremony live, organizers recommend using the Chrome browser to ensure optimal video playback.
Additionally, a promotional campaign titled "Play Super 6" offers participants a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available at no cost. The Ballon d’Or remains one of football’s most revered accolades, honoring not just statistical achievements but also the intangible qualities that elevate a player’s influence on the pitch.
Whether the award goes to a seasoned veteran like Messi, a rising star such as Yamal, or a home‑grown hero like Kane, the 2026 ceremony promises to be a memorable showcase of the sport’s finest talent.