Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been named among the 30 players in contention for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the prestigious individual award set to be presented in London next month.
The nominees were announced on Tuesday ahead of the ceremony scheduled for October 26.
Kane enters the race following an impressive campaign with Bayern Munich and England. The England captain scored 61 goals for Bayern during the 2025/26 season and added six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Barcelona forward Yamal is also among the leading names on the shortlist after a remarkable campaign. At 19, he is in contention to become the youngest player to win the prestigious award.
Mbappe is another prominent contender following a standout year with France and Real Madrid, while Messi remains in the running as he seeks to add to his record eight Ballon d’Or titles.
Defending champion Ousmane Dembele has also been nominated, alongside other high-profile players including Rodri, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Bruno Fernandes.
Paris Saint-Germain have the strongest representation on the men’s shortlist, with 10 players nominated. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid each have four representatives.
The award recognises individual performances during the 2025/26 season, with performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup also forming part of the assessment.
The winner will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, when the world’s leading footballers will gather for the 70th edition of the prestigious award.
