Favourite Kane makes Ballon d'Or shortlist

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is one of three England players named to the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist. He is joined by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Declan Rice, with Kane regarded as the favourite for the award. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who is pursuing a record ninth Ballon d’Or, also appears on the 30‑player list. The 39‑year‑old netted eight goals during Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final last July and has since retired from international football. Lamine Yamal, one of six Spain players who were part of the World Cup‑winning squad, has been selected. Paris Saint‑Ger­main forward Ferran Torres, who scored the decisive goal in that final and transferred from Barcelona to the French club over the summer, earned a place on the list. PSG, the reigning back‑to‑back Champions League champions, have nine nominees excluding Torres, among them last year’s winner Ousmane Dembélé. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior are also on the shortlist, as are Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba. The Ballon d’Or marks its 70th anniversary this year; the accolade was instituted by France Football in 1956. The winner will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 26 October. The “symbolic prime of venue” honours former England international Sir Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d’Or recipient.