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30-Man Ballon d'Or Shortlist Announced with Kane and Mbappé Leading
Developing
In Short: The 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist has been unveiled, featuring 30 players including Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, as the race for the prestigious award heats up.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist has been announced, featuring 30 players from around the world, with England's Harry Kane and France's Kylian Mbappé leading the charge.
Kane, who scored 73 goals last season for Bayern Munich, is one of three English players nominated, alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice from Real Madrid and Arsenal respectively.
Mbappé expressed his hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or, stating, 'This could be the year I win Ballon d'Or.
The unveiling of the shortlist marks the beginning of a heated competition for the prestigious Ballon d'Or honors, with the Club of the Year awards also set to be announced.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who is looking to win his ninth Ballon d'Or, has been nominated.
- Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr also make the shortlist, as do Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba.
- The "symbolic choice of venue" is in tribute to former England player Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the first Ballon d'Or.
- This could be year I win Ballon d'Or, says Mbappe The heroics of Cape Verde keeper Vozinha were one of the highlights of the 2026 World Cup and, along with Arsenal and Spain stopper David Raya, he is on the list for the men's Ballon d'Or goalkeeper award.
- France Football has officially revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Men's and Women's Coach of the Year awards, highlighting the tactical masterminds who defined the last season.
Sources
- BBClink