UNS — Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi have been included in the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, organisers France Football announced on Tuesday.
Kane earned his nomination following an outstanding campaign for Bayern Munich and England.
The striker scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country, helping Bayern secure a domestic treble comprising the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup.
He also led England to the World Cup semi-finals.
Manchester City and Norway forward Erling Haaland also made the list after scoring 58 goals in 64 matches. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was shortlisted following another impressive season in which he registered 75 goal contributions in 49 appearances for Inter Miami and Argentina, helping his country reach the World Cup final.
Other leading nominees include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal.
However, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo was not included despite helping Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title.
The women’s shortlist features Barcelona’s Polish striker Ewa Pajor, who helped the club secure four trophies, alongside Alexia Putellas, who has since joined London City Lionesses, and Manchester City’s prolific Jamaican forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy following his impressive performances at the World Cup, where he helped his country progress beyond the group stage.
Vozinha will compete for the best goalkeeper award against Spain’s World Cup winner Unai Simón, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez and fellow African nominees Yassine Bounou and Édouard Mendy.
