Favourite Kane makes Ballon d'Or shortlist

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is among three England players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist. His fellow nominees include Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Declan Rice. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, aiming to secure his ninth Ballon d'Or title, is also on the list. The 39-year-old scored eight goals for Argentina in the World Cup final, which they lost to Spain in July.

Lamine Yamal, one of six Spain players who won the World Cup, makes the list as well. Paris St-Germain's Ferran Torres, who joined the French club from Barcelona this summer, rounds out the shortlist. Back-to-back Champions League winners PSG have nine players on the list, excluding their new signing, Ousmane Dembele. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid, along with Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, are also nominated for the prestigious award.

The 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or, created by France Football in 1956, will be celebrated with the winner's announcement at a ceremony in London on October 26.