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 honour. Among the men’s contenders, England’s prolific striker Harry Kane tops the list and is currently the bookmakers' favourite to lift the trophy.
Kane’s remarkable tally of 73 goals during the previous season marked one of the finest scoring exploits of his career, and a win would see him become the first Englishman to claim the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001. Kane is not alone from the Three Lions in the 30‑man long‑list.
Mid‑fielder Jude Bellingham, who has continued to impress with his composure, vision and box‑to‑box dynamism, and defensive stalwart Declan Rice, renowned for his tireless work‑rate and leadership in the midfield, have also secured spots on the shortlist. Their inclusion underscores the depth of talent currently flourishing in English football. The list also showcases several other Premier League stars. Portugal’s play‑maker Bruno Fernandes, known for his creativity and knack for decisive goals, is among the nominees.
Norway’s Erling Haaland, whose physical presence and clinical finishing have made him a feared striker across Europe, also appears on the roster. Defenders Gabriel (Brazil) and William Saliba (France) round out the English contingent, highlighting the league’s representation across all positions. Outside of England, the competition intensifies with the presence of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, Argentine legend Lionel Messi, and French powerhouse Kylian Mbappé.
These three are widely regarded as the principal challengers to Kane’s bid for the coveted award. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo—despite a successful campaign in the Saudi Pro League with Al‑Nassr—does not feature among the nominees, a surprising omission that has sparked considerable discussion among fans and pundits alike. On the women’s side, England again makes a strong showing. Forward Alessia Russo and defender Alex Greenwood have been named among the 30 players shortlisted for the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Their selection reflects the growing prominence of English talent in the global women’s game and adds further excitement to the upcoming ceremony. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London, turning the capital into the focal point of the football world for a night of celebration and anticipation.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from France Football, working in conjunction with the renowned French sports publication L’Equipe. Their task was to distil a season’s worth of performances into a concise list of the most outstanding individuals.
The voting mechanism for the men’s award involves one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA‑ranked nations. Each journalist submits a ranking of their ten favourite 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 greater number of first‑place votes is placed higher; if still tied, the count of second‑place votes is considered, and so on. Journalists are encouraged to weigh three primary criteria when casting their ballots: the individual’s personal performances and the impact of those performances, the achievements and overall success of the player’s team during the season, and the player’s character and influence on the game. The same voting structure applies to the women’s Ballon d’Or, albeit with a smaller pool of voters—journalists from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations—reflecting the different scale of the women’s international football landscape. The absence of Ronaldo from the list has been a focal point of conversation.
While he helped Al‑Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title, the selection committee appears to have prioritized performances in more globally prominent competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League, domestic top‑flight leagues, and major international tournaments. This decision highlights the evolving criteria that influence the award, emphasizing not only personal statistics but also the visibility and competitive weight of the leagues in which players excel.
As the ceremony approaches, speculation abounds regarding who will ultimately claim the award. Kane’s goal‑scoring feats, combined with his leadership of both club and country, give him a strong case.
Bellingham’s meteoric rise and all‑round contributions, Rice’s consistency in midfield, and the dazzling talents of Messi, Mbappé and Yamal add layers of intrigue. For the women’s prize, Russo’s attacking prowess and Greenwood’s defensive reliability will be weighed against a field of world‑class players from across the globe. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, not only for the announcement of the winners but also for the broader narrative the Ballon d’Or continues to shape about excellence in football. The ceremony will not only honour individual brilliance but also reflect the shifting dynamics of the sport, the rise of new stars, and the enduring legacy of established legends.
Whether the awards go to a familiar name or a fresh face, the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises to be a landmark moment in the football calendar, celebrating the beautiful game at its highest level.