Harry Kane Nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or After Record 73 Goals

Harry Kane has secured a spot on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, capping off a remarkable season in which he scored 73 goals across all competitions. This tally places him second on the all-time single-season scoring chart, trailing only Lionel Messi's legendary 82-goal season in 2011-12.

During the 2025-26 campaign, Kane netted an impressive 61 goals for Bayern Munich, leading the club to a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. Additionally, he scored 12 goals for the England national team, including six during the 2026 World Cup, where England finished in third place. Kane has described this season as his best yet, highlighting the historic significance of his goal tally.

As the favorite to win the award, Kane's odds range between 8/13 and 13/10, with bookmakers recognizing his outstanding performance. If he wins, it would mark the first time an English player has claimed the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

Notable Contenders

• Kylian Mbappé
• Lamine Yamal
• Ousmane Dembélé
• Rodri
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
• Jude Bellingham

The official shortlist was released on September 8, 2026, and the ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London. This event could potentially see an English player win the prestigious award on home soil for the first time in 25 years.