The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been released, naming the elite male and female footballers who will vie for the prestigious award. Among the men’s candidates, England’s striker Harry Kane stands out as a frontrunner and is currently the favorite among bookmakers to claim the trophy.
Kane’s campaign last season was nothing short of spectacular. He found the back of the net 73 times, a tally that ranks among the most prolific in his career and places him in the conversation for a historic achievement: becoming the first English player to lift the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen’s win in 2001. His goal‑scoring exploits, combined with his leadership of Tottenham Hotspur and his pivotal role for the England national team, have cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most complete forwards. Joining Kane on the 30‑man long‑list are two of his countrymen, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
Bellingham, the dynamic midfield prodigy who has already made a massive impact at both club and international level, continues to showcase his versatility, vision and tenacity. Rice, the disciplined defensive midfielder, has been praised for his consistency, tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of play for both his club and the Three Lions. The list also features a host of other Premier League stars.
Bruno Fernandes, known for his creativity and clutch performances for Manchester United, is included alongside Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal‑machine whose physical presence and clinical finishing have broken numerous records at Manchester City. Defenders Gabriel (likely Gabriel Magalhães) and William Saliba also make the cut, reflecting the growing appreciation for defensive excellence in the modern game. Internationally, the competition is fierce.
Young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, the prodigious winger who has already turned heads with his technical flair, is listed as a potential dark horse. Established legends Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are also in the mix, each bringing a distinct style—Messi with his unparalleled dribbling and playmaking, Mbappé with his explosive speed and goal‑scoring prowess. Notably absent from the nominees is Cristiano Ronaldo, who despite securing the Saudi Pro League title with Al‑Nassr, did not receive a nomination this year. On the women’s side, England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are among the 30 players shortlisted for the female Ballon d'Or.
Both have been instrumental in their respective clubs and the national team, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from the English women’s game. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London, a city that will host football’s most celebrated night. The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from the iconic French magazine France Football, working in collaboration with the French sports daily L'Equipe. Their selections reflect a blend of individual brilliance and team achievements.
The voting process for the men’s award involves one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA‑ranked nations. Each journalist submits a ranked list of ten players from the 30‑player shortlist.
Points are allocated as follows: the first‑place pick receives 15 points, second place 12 points, third place 10 points, then 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 serves as the first tiebreaker, followed by second‑place votes, and so on. Voters are urged to weigh three key criteria when casting their ballots: 1. **Individual performances** – the player’s personal impact, moments of brilliance, and consistency throughout the year.
2. **Team performances and achievements** – how the player contributed to the success of club and country, including titles won and critical matches. 3. **Decisive and impressive character** – leadership, influence in pivotal moments, and the ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.
The women’s Ballon d’Or follows an identical framework, but the voting panel is limited to journalists from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations, reflecting the slightly different scale of the women's game. Beyond the awards themselves, the Ballon d’Or ceremony often serves as a cultural touchstone, celebrating not only the sport’s top talent but also its global reach and the stories that inspire fans worldwide.
The inclusion of players from diverse leagues, age groups, and backgrounds underscores football’s universal appeal. As the date approaches, anticipation builds among supporters, pundits, and the players themselves. Debates will rage over whether Kane’s goal‑scoring record will outweigh the creative genius of Messi, the youthful dynamism of Mbappé, or the emerging brilliance of Bellingham. For the women’s award, discussions will focus on whether Russo’s attacking flair or Greenwood’s defensive solidity will capture the imagination of the voting journalists.
Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or remains a snapshot of a year in football—a celebration of excellence, dedication, and the moments that define the sport. Whether the final tally reflects the bookmakers’ predictions or yields surprising upsets, the ceremony will undoubtedly provide a memorable night for football lovers around the world. Fans can also take part in related promotions, such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win £1 million at no cost. Participation adds an extra layer of excitement as the football community awaits the unveiling of the winners on that October evening in London.