France Football has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, officially opening the race for football’s most prestigious individual award after a season that included the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement marks the 70th edition of the award, with the ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London.

Among the leading contenders are England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, Spain midfielder Rodri, Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, Lionel Messi and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé. Kane enters the race as one of the strongest favourites after scoring 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 campaign, while Rodri’s World Cup-winning performance has also strengthened his case.

The announcement also features significant African representation. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Senegal’s Édouard Mendy and Cape Verde’s Vozinha are among the 10 nominees for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. The official Ballon d’Or site described the three African goalkeepers as a record representation in the category since its introduction in 2019.

Other categories announced include the Men’s and Women’s Young Talent, Goalkeeper, Coach and Club of the Year awards. Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt, Flamengo and PSG were nominated for Men’s Club of the Year, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany and Luis Enrique are contenders for Men’s Coach of the Year.

The winners will be decided by an international jury of football journalists, with the men’s award voted on by representatives from the 100 highest-ranked FIFA nations. Voting will consider individual performance, collective achievements and trophies, as well as sporting conduct.