Baghdad: French magazine France Football announced the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or award last Tuesday, with the winner set to be announced in London next October.

According to Iraqi News Agency, several prominent names are among the nominees, including Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, and Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi. British outlet The Athletic has projected its top 10 players in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, providing insights into the current favorites.

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane topped the list, reflecting his exceptional performance on the field. His teammate, France winger Michael Olise, secured the second position, showcasing Bayern Munich’s strong presence in the football arena. Barcelona and Spain midfielder Rodri came in third, marking another notable inclusion in the top rankings.

Despite leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi ranked 10th on the list, emphasizing the competitive nature of this year’s contenders. The top 10 projections also include football talents such as Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The full projected ranking is as follows: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France), Rodri (Barcelona, Spain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich, Colombia), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina).