The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been released, naming the elite male and female footballers who will compete for the sport’s most prestigious individual award. Among the men’s candidates, England’s prolific striker Harry Kane tops the list and is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to claim the trophy. Kane’s inclusion is a reflection of an extraordinary season in which he found the back of the net 73 times, a tally that ranks among the finest goal‑scoring exploits of his career. If he were to win, Kane would become the first Englishman to lift the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001, ending a 25‑year drought for the nation.
Joining Kane on the 30‑player long‑list are two of his fellow England internationals: midfield dynamo Jude Bellingham and defensive stalwart Declan Rice. Both have enjoyed breakthrough years at club and country level, and their presence underscores the strength of the English talent pool.
In addition to the three Englishmen, the shortlist features a host of other Premier League stars. Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, Norway’s record‑breaking striker Erling Haaland, Arsenal’s versatile defender Gabriel, and the young French centre‑back William Saliba are all named among the contenders, illustrating the depth of quality in the English top flight. Outside the Premier League, the competition remains fierce.
Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, Argentine legend Lionel Messi, and French forward Kylian Mbappé are all expected to mount serious challenges to Kane’s bid. Their inclusion highlights the global nature of the award, as each player has delivered moments of brilliance and consistency throughout the season. Notably absent from the men’s list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who despite guiding Al‑Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title, did not secure a nomination. The omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom argue that his continued high‑level performances merit recognition.
The women’s Ballon d’Or follows a parallel structure, with 30 nominees announced for the 2026 edition. England’s own Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are among the elite group, representing the growing influence of English talent on the international stage. The women’s shortlist, like the men’s, was compiled by a panel of journalists from the renowned French publication France Football, in collaboration with the sports daily L’Equipe.
Their expertise ensures that the most deserving players are highlighted based on a blend of individual brilliance and team achievements. The ceremony itself will take place on 26 October 2026 in London, marking the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or.
The voting process is meticulously designed to reflect a broad spectrum of opinions. For the men’s award, a journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA‑ranked nations casts a ballot, selecting their top ten players from the 30‑man shortlist. Points are allocated on a descending scale: 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 greatest number of first‑place votes is ranked higher; if still tied, the count of second‑place votes is considered, and so on. Journalists are instructed to weigh three core criteria when making their selections. First, they should evaluate individual performances, looking for players who have consistently delivered decisive, high‑impact displays throughout the year. Second, the overall achievements of the player’s team are taken into account, rewarding those who have contributed to titles, deep tournament runs, or significant improvements.
Finally, the character and influence of the player on and off the pitch are considered, acknowledging leadership, sportsmanship, and the ability to inspire teammates and supporters alike. The women’s award follows an identical voting framework, though the pool of journalists is limited to representatives from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations. This adjustment reflects the differing scale of the women's game while maintaining the same emphasis on individual excellence, team success, and personal impact.
Beyond the ceremony, the Ballon d’Or continues to generate excitement across the football community, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes and debating the merits of each nominee. The inclusion of rising stars like Bellingham and Yamal alongside established icons such as Messi and Mbappé ensures a compelling narrative that spans generations.
Meanwhile, the absence of Ronaldo serves as a reminder that the award is not solely about past glory but about the performances delivered within the specific calendar year. As the date of the ceremony approaches, the football world will watch closely as journalists from around the globe submit their votes, each contributing a piece to the final tally that will determine who lifts the coveted golden ball. Whether the trophy goes to a seasoned veteran, a breakout youngster, or a player who has quietly excelled behind the scenes, the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises to celebrate the very best of the beautiful game.