The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been revealed, identifying the elite male and female footballers who will compete for the sport's most prestigious individual honour. Among the men, 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 most productive campaigns 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. Joining Kane on the 30‑player longlist are his fellow England internationals Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, both of whom have enjoyed standout seasons for club and country. Bellingham, the dynamic midfield engine at Real Madrid, has been praised for his blend of physicality, vision and goal‑scoring ability, while Rice, the disciplined defensive midfielder for Arsenal, has anchored his side's midfield with consistency and composure. Their inclusion underscores the depth of English talent on the global stage.
The longlist also features several other Premier League stars. Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker who has transformed Manchester United's attacking play, is recognised for his creative spark and knack for delivering decisive moments.
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal‑machine now wearing the Manchester City shirt, is noted for his extraordinary scoring rate and physical dominance in the final third. Defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, both key figures in their respective club backlines, round out the English representation, highlighting that the award is not solely about attacking flair. Outside the English contingent, the field includes a mix of established legends and emerging talents.
Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has already made a splash with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, is a bright new face on the list. Long‑time greats Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are also present, expected to mount serious challenges to Kane's bid.
Both Messi and Mbappé have continued to deliver spectacular performances at the club level, adding to their impressive career résumés. Notably absent from the men's shortlist is Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his recent success in winning the Saudi Pro League with Al‑Nassr.
The omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom argue that Ronaldo's longevity and continued impact on the game merit at least a nomination. However, the selection panel, composed of journalists from France Football in collaboration with the French sports daily L'Equipe, has chosen to focus on the season's most influential performances, leaving Ronaldo off the ballot. On the women's side, England's Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are among the 30 players shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin.
Russo, a forward known for her clinical finishing and work rate, has been instrumental for both club and country. Greenwood, a versatile defender and midfielder, has earned praise for her tactical intelligence and leadership on the pitch. Their inclusion reflects the growing strength and visibility of English women's football on the international stage. The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London, providing a glamorous backdrop for the awards presentation.
The voting process for the men's prize involves a 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: 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 most first‑place votes is ranked higher; if still tied, the count of second‑place votes is considered, and so on.
Voters are asked to weigh three key criteria when casting their ballots: the individual's performances and the decisive, impressive nature of those displays; the overall achievements and success of the player's team; and the character shown by the player throughout the season. The women's award follows an identical procedure, though only journalists from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations are invited to vote, reflecting the slightly smaller pool of women's football nations in the ranking system. Beyond the formalities, the Ballon d'Or remains a cultural touchstone, celebrating not just statistical excellence but also the narrative of a season—moments of brilliance, leadership in crucial matches, and the ability to inspire teammates and fans alike. As the football world looks ahead to the ceremony, anticipation builds around whether Kane can translate his goal‑rich season into historic recognition, whether Bellingham and Rice can secure their first major individual accolade, and whether any surprise contenders will emerge to upset the expected hierarchy.
Fans are encouraged to follow the live broadcast of the ceremony, which will feature highlights, player interviews, and a retrospective of the season's most memorable moments. For those interested in additional engagement, a promotional campaign titled "Play Super 6" offers a chance to win a £1 million prize, with free entry available to participants. In summary, the 2026 Ballon d'Or longlist showcases a blend of seasoned superstars and rising prospects, with Harry Kane positioned as the front‑runner among the men and a strong English presence on both the male and female sides. The upcoming ceremony in London will determine which of these elite athletes earns the coveted golden ball, cementing their legacy in football history.