Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi make Men's Ballon d'Or 2026 shortlist

Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi have all been shortlisted for the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or award. Other top players have also made the list, including those who have helped their countries reach the World Cup final or semi-finals. Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi have all been shortlisted for the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or award. The 30-man list includes many top players from around the world who have had impressive seasons with their clubs and countries. Kane had a remarkable season with Bayern Munich and the England national team, scoring 73 goals in 65 matches and securing several major trophies, including the Bundesliga and German Cup. Haaland also had a standout season netting 58 goals in 64 games for Manchester City and Norway, while Messi contributed 75 goals for Inter Miami and Argentina, including helping his country to reach the World Cup final. Other notable players shortlisted include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele, but surprisingly Cristiano Ronaldo was not included despite winning the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr. The women's shortlist also features several top players, including Ewa Pajor from Poland, who won four titles with Barcelona, Alexia Putellas, who has now joined the London City Lionesses, and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw from Manchester City. In other news, Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha was nominated for the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper, after impressing in the World Cup with several standout performances, including helping his country advance from the group stage, Vozinha will compete against other top goalkeepers, including Spain's Unai Simon and Argentina's Emi Martinez, as well as fellow African nominees Yassine Bounou and Edouard Mendy. The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or award ceremony will take place in London on October 26, paying tribute to the first Ballon d'Or winner Stanley Matthews