Favourite Kane makes Ballon d'Or shortlist

Harry Kane is the favourite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after earning a place on the 30-player shortlist alongside fellow England internationals Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi is also nominated as he seeks a record-extending ninth award. The 39-year-old scored eight goals as Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain in July before retiring from international football.

Six players from Spain's World Cup-winning team made the shortlist. Paris Saint-Germain forward Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the final and joined the French club from Barcelona in the summer, is among them.

Back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain have nine nominees, excluding Torres, including last year's winner Ousmane Dembélé. Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior also made the list, as did Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba.

The award, created by France Football in 1956, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Organizers will announce the winner at a ceremony in London on October 26. The venue pays tribute to former England player Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the first Ballon d'Or.