Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been named on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, making him one of three English players nominated for the prestigious award. He is joined by Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Declan Rice.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, a seven-time winner of the award, is also on the list as he seeks to claim his ninth Ballon d'Or title. Messi, 39, scored eight goals in the World Cup final in July, where Argentina ultimately lost to Spain. He has since retired from international football.
Lamine Yamal, one of six Spain players who won the World Cup, has also been nominated. Paris Saint-Germain forward Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final before transferring from Barcelona in the summer, made the cut. Nine Paris Saint-Germain players, excluding Torres, are nominated, including last year's winner Ousmane Dembele.
Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, as well as Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, also feature on the shortlist.
The Ballon d'Or is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The award, created by France Football in 1956, will be presented at a ceremony in London on October 26. The choice of London as the venue is a tribute to former England player Sir Stanley Matthews, who was the first recipient of the Ballon d'Or.