Harry Kane Leads 2026 Ballon d'Or Nominees Alongside Bellingham and Rice

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane leads the men's 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or alongside England teammates Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. The 70th anniversary awards ceremony will break tradition by moving from Paris to London on October 26, 2026, honoring first-winner Sir Stanley Matthews. Football's most prestigious individual honor has officially entered a wide-open race as France Football magazine revealed the 30 men's and 30 women's nominees on Tuesday. The upcoming ceremony carries special historical significance, marking seven decades since the trophy was created in 1956. In a deliberate nod to that heritage, the event relocates across the English Channel for a symbolic choice of venue in London to pay tribute to inaugural recipient Sir Stanley Matthews. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice Headline England's Nominees Kane enters the race as the bookmakers' favorite for the men's prize after producing a staggering club campaign. The Bayern Munich forward netted a club-record 61 goals in 51 games for the German double winners, while Sky Sports records his total at 73 goals across all competitions last season. Should he secure the golden ball, Kane would become the first Englishman to claim the honor since Michael Owen lifted it in 2001. Joining Kane on the 30-man long-list are international colleagues Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. Rice played a pivotal role in helping Arsenal capture the Premier League title, snapping a 22-year drought for the club, while Bellingham continued to shine on both domestic and international stages. Photo: Sky Sports Vozinha Nominated for Ballon d Or Goalkeeper Award 'There's a lot of players I'd say that deserve it. But it's just bizarre for me how you've got to win trophies to win the Ballon d'Or. Football's a team game. It's not about an individual – that's completely different from a team.' Waddle, former England and Spurs winger, via Goal Despite Kane's phenomenal individual statistics, former players have debated the criteria governing the award. Critics point out that Bayern Munich fell short in the Champions League semifinals against Paris St-Germain and England did not capture the World Cup, factors that traditionalists argue could influence voters. Yet analysts note that the trophy is designed to reward individual brilliance rather than collective silverware alone. International Stars, Heavy Champions League Representation, and Notable Omissions The global field features formidable challengers from across Europe and Major League Soccer. Lamine Yamal stands as a primary contender after winning La Liga with Barcelona and securing World Cup success with Spain. Rodri, who captained Spain to World Cup glory and earned Player of the Tournament honors, joins the shortlist alongside his club and international teammate. Lionel Messi is nominated for his ninth Ballon d'Or after scoring eight goals during Argentina's run to the World Cup final and capturing an MLS title with Inter Miami. Photo: BBC Lionel Messi Retires From International Football After 2026 World Cup Paris St-Germain dominates the club representation following back-to-back Champions League titles, placing nine players on the men's shortlist—including defending winner Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who earned Champions League Player of the Tournament after netting 10 goals in 16 matches. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is absent from the nominees despite winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. India Eyes South Africa ODI Series Ahead of 2027 World Cup Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood Lead Women's Shortlist as Bonmati Misses Out In the women's category, Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood earned nominations representing England's elite talent. Russo finished third in last year's voting and followed up with 24 goals in 40 club appearances, while Manchester City captain Greenwood hoisted both the Women's Super League and FA Cup trophies last season. Can Harry Kane win the 2026 Ballon d'Or? 🤯🔥 | Kane vs Bellingham | England 🇬🇧 Clash | Simulation ⚽ The women's race will see a new champion crowned. Aitana Bonmatí did not make the cut after missing the majority of the campaign through injury, though she returned for the conclusion of Barcelona's quadruple-winning season. Two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor, and Melchie Dumornay step forward as the leading favorites to succeed her when the winner is revealed. The 70th Ballon d'Or winners will be officially determined by a specialized voting panel. Related