Kane, Bellingham and Rice shortlisted for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Harry Kane is among three England players nominated for the 30-player award shortlist, with the winner due to be announced in London on 26 October.
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have been nominated for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, placing three England players on the 30-player shortlist.
Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, is described by BBC Sport as the favourite after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season. Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham and Arsenal midfielder Rice are also included.
The shortlist includes Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and nine Paris St-Germain players, excluding new signing Ferran Torres. Last year’s winner, Ousmane Dembele, is among the nominees.
The award was created by France Football in 1956 and is marking its 70th anniversary. The winner is due to be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October.
The choice of London is described as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the England player who won the inaugural Ballon d’Or.
