The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been revealed, 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 lift the trophy. Kane’s inclusion follows an extraordinary season in which he found the back of the net 73 times, marking one of the most productive campaigns of his career.
Should he win, Kane would become the first Englishman to claim the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001, ending a 25‑year drought for the nation. Kane is not alone in representing England on the 30‑player long‑list. His fellow internationals Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have also secured spots, underscoring the strength of the Three Lions’ core. Bellingham, the dynamic midfielder who has already made a name for himself with mature performances for both club and country, and Rice, the tenacious defensive midfielder known for his leadership and ball‑winning ability, round out a trio of English players who could realistically challenge for the accolade.
The list also features a host of other Premier League stars. Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker renowned for his vision and goal‑scoring from midfield, is among the nominees, as is the Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, whose physical dominance and clinical finishing have made him a global sensation.
Defenders Gabriel (full name Gabriel Magalhães) and William Saliba have also been named, highlighting the fact that the award recognises excellence across all positions, not just attacking flair. Outside the English contingent, the competition will be fierce. Young Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has already turned heads with his technical skill, will be looking to make a statement. Meanwhile, the perennial greats Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé remain in the conversation, each bringing a blend of individual brilliance and team success that historically favours Ballon d’Or voting.
Notably absent from the men’s list is Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his recent triumph in the Saudi Pro League with Al‑Nassr. His omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom argue that his continued high‑level performances still merit consideration. On the women’s side, England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have been included among the 30 nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Their selection reflects the growing depth and talent in the women’s game, and both players have enjoyed strong seasons at club level while contributing significantly to the national team’s recent successes. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London, providing a glamorous stage for the announcement of the winners.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from the iconic French magazine France Football, working in partnership with the French sports daily L’Equipe. For the men’s award, the voting process involves one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA‑ranked nations.
Each journalist submits a ranked list of their ten favourite players from the 30‑person 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 tie‑breaker is the number of first‑place votes each player received.
If the tie persists, the count moves to second‑place votes, then third, and so on, ensuring a clear hierarchy based on the depth of support across the voting panel. Journalists are instructed to weigh three key criteria when casting their ballots: the individual’s performances and impact throughout the year, the player’s character and decisive moments, and the achievements of the player’s team at both club and international levels.
The women’s Ballon d’Or follows an identical voting framework, though the pool of journalists is drawn from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations rather than 100. This adjustment reflects the differing scale of the women’s game while preserving the same emphasis on individual excellence, influence, and team success. Overall, the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations showcase a blend of established legends, emerging talents, and a few surprising exclusions.
Harry Kane’s dominance in the betting markets underscores his remarkable goal tally and the narrative of an English striker finally achieving the sport’s highest individual honour. Yet the presence of players like Messi, Mbappé, and Yamal ensures that the competition will be anything but predictable.
As the ceremony approaches, fans worldwide will be watching closely to see whether the awards will honour a seasoned icon, a rising star, or perhaps deliver a surprise that reshapes the history books. For those interested in participating in related promotions, a Super 6 competition is being run with a £1 million prize pool, offering an additional layer of excitement for football enthusiasts during the lead‑up to the awards night.