France Football is expected to unveil the shortlist of nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or today, and a list of the top five favourites has emerged ahead of the announcement. According to Kalshi, England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is currently leading the race for the prestigious individual prize. The rankings highlight the leading contenders as anticipation builds around the official nominee list for this year's award.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has predicted that the Ballon d'Or will once again be won by a PSG player, according to Vanguard News. His comments came as the nominees for the 2026 edition of football's prestigious individual award were announced on Tuesday. Dembélé's remarks suggest confidence within the French club's camp that one of their own will retain the honour in the upcoming ceremony.

France Football, organisers of the Ballon d'Or, is set to unveil the nominees for the 2026 edition of the award on Tuesday, September 8. According to the Daily Post, fans and pundits expect 30-man and 30-woman shortlists recognising the best male and female footballers. In total, shortlists will be announced across 12 award categories, with nominated players, coaches and clubs to be confirmed during the unveiling.

Punch reports that the shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees has been announced, opening the award’s 70th year honouring achievements in world football during the 2025/26 season. According to the report, the nominees were revealed on Tuesday through the award body’s X handle, with categories including Men’s and Women’s Striker awards among those listed.

Ousmane Dembele, winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or, has named his top three contenders for the 2026 award. According to Legit.ng, the French forward picked Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and himself as the leading favourites for the prestigious individual prize. Notably, Dembele left out high-profile stars Lionel Messi and Rodri from his predictions. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will determine the successor to Dembele as the world's best player.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has said he would vote for himself to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the Daily Post reports. Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe, Mbappe, who is regarded as one of the favourites for the prestigious individual award, responded to a question about his vote by saying he would back himself. The France captain's comments come as speculation builds ahead of the 2026 edition of the prize, which recognises the world's best footballer.