Analysing the leading names to land the big prize next month — from Rodri and Lamine Yamal to Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi

Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the leading names on the 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist after the nominees for football's most prestigious individual prize were revealed on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is one of three England players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

Roy Makaay would love to see Harry Kane win the Ballon d'Or, and the former Bayern Munich striker believes the England captain has every right to be considered among the favorites.

Barcelona's 2026 Women's Champions League squad dominated the Women's Ballon d'Or nominations, with eight players from that team making the 30-player shortlist.

Vozinha's fairytale year continued on Tuesday, Sept. 8 as he was nominated for the men's Goalkeeper of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Then comes an intriguing group. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sits at 11/1, while Lionel Messi is 14/1 and reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé is 16/1. Messi remains firmly in the conversation despite Argentina falling short in the World Cup final.

Two Mexican players and a Mexican club were included in the shortlist of Ballon d’Or nominees.