Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is one of three England players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Declan Rice join Kane, the favourite, on the 30-player shortlist. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, aiming for a ninth award, is also nominated. The 39-year-old scored eight goals as Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain in July, with Messi retiring from international football since.

Lamine Yamal is among six Spain players from the World Cup-winning squad included. Paris St-Germain forward Ferran Torres, who joined from Barcelona in the summer, also makes the cut. PSG, back-to-back Champions League winners, have nine nominees, including last year's winner Ousmane Dembele.

Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are also shortlisted, as are Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba. The award celebrates its 70th anniversary, having been created by France Football in 1956. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October, a symbolic venue honoring Sir Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d'Or winner.