Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi have been named on the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, as announced by France Football on Tuesday. Additionally, Cape Verde’s Vozinha has received a nomination for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper.
Kane enjoyed a remarkable season with Bayern Munich and the England national team, scoring 73 goals across 65 matches. His contributions helped Bayern secure a treble, including the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup, while also leading England to the World Cup semi-finals.
Haaland, playing for Manchester City and Norway, netted 58 goals in 64 games. Meanwhile, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, recorded 75 goal contributions in 49 matches for Inter Miami and Argentina, guiding his team to the World Cup final.
Other notable players on the shortlist include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Lamine Yamal. Notably absent is Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, despite his success in lifting the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr.
The women’s shortlist features standout players such as Poland’s Ewa Pajor, who won four trophies with Barcelona, and Alexia Putellas, who has recently joined London City Lionesses after her time with Barca and Spain. Also nominated is Manchester City’s prolific striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw from Jamaica.
Vozinha’s nomination for the Yashin Trophy comes after his impressive performances during the World Cup, where he played a crucial role in helping Cape Verde advance from the group stage. He will compete against notable goalkeepers including Spain’s Unai Simon and Argentina’s Emi Martinez, as well as African nominees Yassine Bounou and Edouard Mendy.
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, marking the first time the event is held in the UK. This year’s ceremony pays tribute to Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner.
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