Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi have all been included on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has earned a nomination for the Yashin Trophy, organisers France Football announced on Tuesday.

Kane enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country.

The England captain played a key role as Bayern secured a domestic treble, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup. He also helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals, further strengthening his case for the game’s most prestigious individual award.

Meanwhile, Haaland scored 58 goals in 64 appearances for Manchester City and Norway, while eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi recorded 75 goal contributions in 49 matches for Inter Miami and Argentina.

Messi also played a crucial role in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, as he continues to compete for another historic Ballon d’Or triumph.

Ballon d’Or shortlist

Also included among the leading contenders are Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal.

However, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the shortlist despite helping Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title.

The women’s shortlist features several of the game’s biggest stars, including Ewa Pajor, who enjoyed a trophy-filled campaign with Barcelona, as well as Alexia Putellas, who represented Barcelona and Spain before moving to London City Lionesses.

Manchester City’s prolific Jamaica international Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw is also among the nominees.

Vozinha among Yashin Trophy nominees

Vozinha has been rewarded for his impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup, earning a place on the 10-man shortlist for the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper.

The Cape Verde goalkeeper played a pivotal role in helping his country progress from the World Cup group stage, earning recognition alongside some of the world’s top goalkeepers.

Vozinha will compete against Spain’s Unai Simon, Argentina’s Emi Martinez, and fellow African nominees Yassine Bounou and Edouard Mendy.

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London for the first time on October 26. The event will also pay tribute to Stanley Matthews, who became the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner.

The prestigious ceremony is expected to bring together the world’s biggest football stars as the winners of the Ballon d’Or and Yashin Trophy are crowned.