Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have been shortlisted for this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or, while Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are in contention for the women’s prize.
France Football magazine unveiled the 30 nominees in each category on Tuesday. The winners will be named during a ceremony in London on 26 October. Last year’s men’s winner, Ousmane Dembélé, has been shortlisted once more, alongside France teammate Kylian Mbappé, who surpassed Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup tally by reaching 22 goals at this summer’s competition.
Among the leading contenders for the women’s honour are two-time champion Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay. They are hoping to follow Aitana Bonmatí, who won the previous three editions but was omitted after spending much of the season sidelined by injury. The Spanish midfielder returned near the conclusion of Barcelona’s quadruple-winning campaign, which featured another Champions League triumph.
Kane is the clear favourite for the men’s trophy after registering a club-record 61 goals across 51 appearances as Bayern Munich secured a domestic double last season. He added six goals for England at the World Cup, where Bellingham and Rice also impressed. Rice was also instrumental in helping Arsenal claim their first Premier League championship in 22 years.
Quick Guide
Ballon d’Or nominees: the complete shortlist
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Men’s award
Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, João Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinícius Jr., Vitinha.
Women’s award
Selma Bacha, Barbra Banda, Klara Buhl, Esmee Brugts, Mariona Caldentey, Scarlett Camberos, Kerstin Casparij, Temwa Chawinga, Cata Coll, Melchie Dumornay, Caroline Graham Hansen, Alex Greenwood, Patri Guijarro, Pernille Harder, Yui Hasegawa, Rose Lavelle, Mapi León, Lorena, Melvine Malard, Manaka Matsukubo, Vivianne Miedema, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Alexia Putellas, Wendie Renard, Alessia Russo, Khadija Shaw, Momoko Tanikawa, Caroline Weir, Tessa Wullaert.
Lamine Yamal is rated as the second-leading candidate after helping Barcelona win La Liga and Spain lift the World Cup. His teammate at both club and international level, Rodri, is next among the favourites. Eight-time winner Lionel Messi also appears on the shortlist after leading Argentina to the World Cup final and securing the Major League Soccer title with Inter Miami.
Russo placed third in last year’s poll and followed that achievement with another strong individual season, recording 24 goals in 40 club matches. Greenwood captained Manchester City to victories in both the Women’s Super League and the FA Cup last season.
This year’s Ballon d’Or presentation will leave its customary venue in Paris and take place in London, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the inaugural award claimed by England legend Stanley Matthews.
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