- Top men's contenders: last year's winner Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane (73 goals last season) and Kylian Mbappé (now the all-time World Cup goals leader).
- Women's favorites: Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay — Aitana Bonmatí, the past three-time winner, missed the shortlist after an injury-hit season.
- Ceremony moves to London on Oct. 26 for the Ballon d'Or's 70th anniversary; Lionel Messi is shortlisted again while no goalkeepers made the men's list.
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