Harry Kane Leads English Contenders on 2026 Ballon d'Or Shortlist
· Sports · BBC Sport, BBC News
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is among three England players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or alongside Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Declan Rice. Kane is considered the favourite for the award on the 30-player shortlist announced ahead of the ceremony. Lionel Messi has also been nominated as the 39-year-old looks to win his ninth Ballon d'Or following his international retirement after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain in July. Paris St-Germain leads the nominations with nine players, including reigning winner Ousmane Dembele and summer signing Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final. The 70th anniversary ceremony will take place in London on 26 October in tribute to the first winner, Sir Stanley Matthews.
Why it matters
The nominations highlight the standout performers across European club football and international tournaments ahead of the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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