Harry Kane remains the favourite for the Ballon d'Or after the 30-name shortlist for the men's award was confirmed following the 2026 World Cup.
Spain's victory over Argentina in the final is likely to help the cases of 2024 winner Rodri and Lamine Yamal, who will look to carry their World Cup form into the new club season.
Kane's standing at the top of the race follows a strong goalscoring campaign with Bayern Munich and a series of important contributions for England at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi, an eight-time winner, scored eight goals in Argentina's run to the final at the age of 39, briefly becoming the competition's all-time top goalscorer before being eclipsed by Kylian Mbappe. Sir David Beckham has tipped the Argentine to win after inspiring Inter Miami to the Campeones Cup.
The Independent's power rankings place Vinicius Jr, Michael Olise, Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland and Messi among the leading contenders, with the ceremony set for October.