Harry Kane named among 2026 Ballon d’Or favorites

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been included on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the England captain emerging as one of the leading contenders for the prestigious individual award. 

Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season and is joined on the shortlist by fellow England internationals Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has also been nominated as he looks to claim a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or. 

The 39-year-old scored eight goals during Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, where they were beaten by Spain, before subsequently retiring from international football.

Spain’s World Cup-winning squad is strongly represented, with six players making the shortlist. 

Lamine Yamal is among the nominees, while Paris Saint-Germain forward Ferran Torres, who joined the French champions from Barcelona during the summer, is also included after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final.

Paris Saint-Germain have the highest number of nominees, with nine players selected, excluding Torres. 

Last year’s winner Ousmane Dembele is among them, while Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr have also made the cut. 

Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba complete the strong representation from the Premier League club.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October as the award celebrates its 70th anniversary. 

London’s selection is a symbolic tribute to former England star Sir Stanley Matthews, who became the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner when France Football created the award in 1956.

Several other awards will also be presented, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta nominated for Men’s Coach of the Year and Arsenal among the five nominees for Men’s Club of the Year. 

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is also in contention for the goalkeeper award, while Lamine Yamal features among the nominees for Men’s Young Talent of the Year.