Ballon d'Or 2026: Nominees announced with Kane and Messi featured

France Football and UEFA have announced the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The list features a highly competitive field following the 2026 World Cup and domestic league seasons.

Harry Kane is currently the betting favorite for the award after a prolific season with Bayern Munich, where he scored 61 goals in 51 matches. Other top contenders include Kylian Mbappé, following his record-breaking performance at the World Cup, and Lamine Yamal, who recently won La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.

Lionel Messi has returned to the shortlist after a two-year absence, appearing as a candidate at age 39. His nomination follows a strong season with Inter Miami and a run to the World Cup final with Argentina. While his inclusion has drawn criticism from some analysts like Ally McCoist, who argue for a focus on current performance over legacy, Messi remains a significant figure in the race.

Other notable nominees include Ousmane Dembélé, Rodri, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The announcement also highlights the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has missed the shortlist for four consecutive seasons.