2026 Ballon d'Or Candidates: Only One Player Won Both World Cup and Champions League; Kane Finishes Third and Reaches Semifinals

Beijing time September 9 news: Last night, the Ballon d'Or official website announced the 30-player shortlist for the Men's Ballon d'Or. Among the shortlisted players, six won the 2026 World Cup with their teams, nine won the 2025-26 Champions League, and only one player was a winner of both titles.

According to the rules, the evaluation period for the 2026 Ballon d'Or runs from August 3, 2025 to July 19, 2026.

2026 Ballon d'Or 30-player shortlist: Kane leads, 39-year-old Messi included

Among the 30 Ballon d'Or nominees, Yamal, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Ferran Torres, Cubarsi and Cucurella helped Spain win this summer's World Cup. In addition, Yamal, Cubarsi and Ferran Torres won the La Liga title with Barcelona last season. Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho and Nuno Mendes were members of last season's Champions League-winning squad.

Among this shortlist, only three players are currently not playing in Europe's top five leagues: Messi of Inter Miami, Mane of Al Nassr, and Quinones of Al Khaleej.

Currently, Bayern forward Kane leads the Ballon d'Or winning odds. Last season, Kane helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title, delivered outstanding individual statistics, and reached the Champions League semifinals with the team. At this summer's World Cup, Kane helped England finish third, improving the team's best record in nearly 60 years.