Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane lead a list of six England players nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or while Lionesses trio Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp were shortlisted for the women’s award. But eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi – who lifted the men’s award last year – was left off the list along with longstanding rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since 2003.

Shortlists for the respective awards were unveiled by France Football on Wednesday night, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in Paris on 28 October.

Bellingham was nominated for the prize after a superb debut campaign with Real Madrid was followed by him helping England reach the Euro 2024 final. The 21-year-old is joined on a 30-player list by compatriots Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Kane, who scored 44 goals in his debut season with Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Manchester City midfielder Rodri are the early favourites to win the award. Euro 2024 winners Spain make up a large chunk of those nominated, with Rodri joined by teenage star Lamine Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, new Barcelona signing Dani Olmo and Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo.

Kylian Mbappé is also listed, while there is plenty of Premier League interest with Arsenal duo William Saliba and Martin Ødegaard joined by Manchester City rivals Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez again makes the shortlist, while London-born Ademola Lookman was also nominated after he inspired Atalanta to Europa League glory in May.

A first-time winner is guaranteed as there was no place for either Messi or Ronaldo, while Karim Benzema and Luka Modric – the only other previous recipients still playing – were also left off the shortlist.

Lionesses trio Bronze, James and Hemp were shortlisted for the women’s award after fine seasons with Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw was also on the 30-player list after a stellar campaign along with teammate Yui Hasegawa. Arsenal summer signing Mariona Caldentey and Chelsea pair Sjoeke Nüsken and Mayra Ramírez were also nominated.

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí will be up for the prize after she won the award last year, as will club colleague and two-time winner Alexia Putellas, while Ada Hegerberg, who received the trophy in 2018, also made the shortlist.