Harry Kane and Alessia Russo among nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or

Bellingham, Rice and Alex Greenwood also nominated

Ceremony to move from Paris to London for 2026 awards

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have been nominated for this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or with Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood nominated for the women’s award.

The 30 men’s and 30 women’s nominees were revealed by France Football magazine on Tuesday, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October. Ousmane Dembélé, who won the men’s award last year, has been nominated again, as has his France teammate Kylian Mbappé, who made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for all-time World Cup goals (22) at this summer’s tournament.

In the women’s field, two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay are among the favourites to succeed Aitana Bonmatí. Winner of the past three awards, Bonmatí did not make the cut after missing most of the season through injury. The Spaniard returned at the end of Barcelona’s quadruple-winning season that included another Champions League title.

Kane is odds-on to win the men’s award after a club-record 61 goals in 51 games for German double winners Bayern Munich last season. He also scored six times at the World Cup for England, a tournament where Bellingham and Rice shone as well, the latter also playing a key role in Arsenal ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.

Lamine Yamal, who won La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain, is second favourite to win the award, followed by his club and international teammate Rodri. Messi, who has a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, is on the shortlist after guiding Argentina to the World Cup final and winning Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

Russo finished third in last year’s voting and enjoyed another successful individual campaign, scoring 24 goals in 40 club appearances. Greenwood, the Manchester City captain, lifted the Women’s Super League and FA Cup last season.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is moving from its traditional Paris home to London this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the first award won by England great Stanley Matthews.