Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Dayot Upamecano among nominees for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Dayot Upamecano have been announced on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Men's Ballon d’Or award, with the quartet now in with the chance of scooping the game's biggest individual honour when it is presented in London on 26 October.
Kane, Olise, Díaz or Dayot Upamecano could become the first Bundesliga player to lift the Ballon d'Or since Matthias Sammer of Borussia Dortmund in 1996, with a jury of 100 international football journalists to vote for the winner before the awards ceremony in October.
The quartet's inclusion on the men's shortlist were part of ten nominations Bayern recieved over the award's 12 categories.
The Bavarians are also in the running for Men's Club of the Year and Vincent Kompany among those who could be crowned Men’s Coach of the Year. Lennart Karl was named on the shortlist for Young Talent of the Year after the 18-year-old made a major breakthrough in 2025/26.
Along with the various nominations for the Bundesliga and DFB Cup double-winning men's team, Bayern's women's team were nominated for Women's Club of the Year after matching the men in sealing a domestic double while making the UEFA Champions League semi-finals - with Klara Bühl and Pernille Harder in contention for Women's Player of the Year.
Kane's 36 goals and five assists last season make him a strong contender to win the Ballon d'Or, but the same could be said for Olise, who dazzled with 15 goals and 19 assists, and Díaz (15 goals and 14 assists).
Upamecano was once again at the heart of Bayern's defence, making 24 appearances as they conceded just 36 Bundesliga goals.
The quartet also shone in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the summer for England (Kane), France (Olise and Upamecano) and Colombia (Díaz).
Also in the running for the Young Talent of the Year award alongside Karl are Bayer Leverkusen's 20-year-old playmaker Ibrahim Maza, 19-year-old former RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande (who joined Real Madrid this summer), plus 20-year-old Johan Manzambi, who helped guide Freiburg to a historic UEFA Europa League final before leaving for winners Aston Villa this summer.
Manzambi's Swiss international teammate, Dortmund's Gregor Kobel was also nominated for Men's Goalkeeper of the Year.
List of Bundeslga nominations for 2026 Ballon d'Or (Bayern Munich unless stated):
- Men's Player of the Year (4): Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Dayot Upamecano
- Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
- Men's Young Talent of the Year (3): Lennart Karl, Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa, formerly Freiburg)
- Men's Coach of the Year: Vincent Kompany
- Men's Club of the Year: Bayern Munich
- Women's Player of the Year (2): Klara Bühl, Pernille Harder
- Women's Club of the Year: Bayern Munich
