Dembele, Mbappe, Kane and Yamal top Ballon d’Or shortlist

What the report says

France Football has unveiled the 30-player men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or shortlists, with the men’s field led by last year’s winner Ousmane Dembele, alongside Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal. The nominees were announced on Tuesday, and the winners will be presented at a ceremony in London on October 26. The award, organized by France Football, is voted on by journalists and is based on individual performance first, then team success and titles, and finally class and fair play.

Al Jazeera, citing Associated Press reporting, noted that Dembele is among nine Paris Saint-Germain players nominated after helping the club win another Champions League title. Mbappe and Dembele were both part of France’s run to the World Cup semifinals, while Kane followed a strong season that included a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. Other men’s nominees include Rodri, Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.

On the women’s side, Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay were highlighted as leading contenders. Aitana Bonmatí, who had won the previous three editions, was not shortlisted after an injury-hit season. Al Jazeera’s report also said the award period covers performances from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, which explains why recent club and international results are central to this year’s vote.