The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been revealed, spotlighting the elite male and female footballers who have distinguished themselves over the past season. Among the men’s nominees, England’s prolific striker Harry Kane stands out as a leading candidate, and betting markets have already positioned him as the favourite to capture the coveted trophy.
Kane’s season was nothing short of spectacular. He found the back of the net 73 times across all competitions, a tally that ranks among the most prolific individual campaigns in recent Premier League history.
His relentless goal‑scoring exploits have reignited talk that he could become the first Englishman to lift the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001. If Kane does secure the award, it would mark a historic moment for English football, underscoring the nation’s resurgence on the global stage. Joining Kane on the 30‑man long‑list are two of his countrymen: midfield dynamo Jude Bellingham and defensive stalwart Declan Rice.
Both have enjoyed breakthrough seasons for club and country, and their inclusion reflects the growing influence of English talent in the international arena. Bellingham’s blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence and physical presence has made him a linchpin in both his club’s midfield and the England squad, while Rice’s composure in front of goal and ability to dictate play from deep have earned him widespread acclaim. The shortlist also features a host of other Premier League stars. Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, who continues to be a creative engine for Manchester United, is recognized for his vision and goal contributions.
Norway’s Erling Haaland, the record‑breaking striker for Manchester City, is noted for his extraordinary scoring rate and physical dominance. Defenders Gabriel (Arsenal) and William Saliba (Arsenal) round out the English contingent, highlighting the league’s depth across all positions. Outside of England, the competition intensifies with the presence of Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy from Spain who has already begun to make waves on the international scene, as well as the perennial legends Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.
Both Messi and Mbappé have continued to deliver world‑class performances, with Messi adding another chapter to his storied career and Mbappé cementing his status as a generational talent. Their inclusion ensures that the race for the Ballon d’Or will be fiercely contested. Notably absent from the men’s list is Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his recent success in the Saudi Pro League with Al‑Nassr. Ronaldo’s omission has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, raising questions about the criteria used by the selection committee and whether achievements in less‑traditional leagues are weighed equally against performances in Europe’s top competitions.
On the women’s side, England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have secured places among the 30 nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or. Both players have been instrumental for club and country, with Russo’s attacking flair and Greenwood’s defensive reliability earning them recognition on the global stage. Their nominations reflect the growing visibility and competitiveness of women’s football, and they join a field that includes some of the sport’s most celebrated athletes. The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, and will take place in London, offering a fitting backdrop for an event that celebrates the very best of the beautiful game.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from the iconic French publication France Football, in collaboration with the sports newspaper L’Équipe. Their expertise ensures that the nominees represent a balanced view of talent across continents and leagues.
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 their ten favourite 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 greater number of first‑place votes is placed higher; if still tied, the count of second‑place votes is considered, and so on. Voters are asked to weigh three primary factors when casting their ballots: the individual’s personal performances and moments of brilliance, the impact and achievements of the player’s team during the season, and the overall influence the player has exerted on the sport. The women’s Ballon d’Or follows an identical framework, albeit with journalists drawn from the top 50 FIFA‑ranked nations, reflecting the slightly smaller pool of nations traditionally involved in women’s football voting.
The announcement of the nominees has already generated a wave of excitement across social media, with fans speculating on potential outcomes and debating the merits of each candidate. Betting agencies have reported a surge in wagers, particularly favoring Kane, who appears to have the edge in both public sentiment and statistical performance. Beyond the glamour of the award itself, the Ballon d’Or serves as a barometer for the evolving landscape of football. It highlights emerging talents, celebrates sustained excellence, and occasionally sparks controversy—such as the surprise exclusion of a global icon like Ronaldo.
Whether the final ceremony will see a new record‑breaker, a return to familiar faces, or an unexpected underdog triumph, the anticipation underscores the sport’s universal appeal. Fans worldwide are encouraged to tune in to the live broadcast, which will be streamed across multiple platforms. For those seeking the best viewing experience, using the Chrome browser is recommended to ensure optimal video playback and accessibility. As the countdown to the ceremony continues, the football community remains abuzz, eagerly awaiting the moment when the world’s most outstanding players are finally honoured.
In addition to the main event, a special promotional campaign titled “Play Super 6” offers participants a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to the competition is free, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans who wish to engage with the Ballon d’Or festivities beyond the awards themselves.