The nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or have been revealed, with 30 men and 30 women in contention for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain are the big winners in the nominations, placing 10 players on the men’s shortlist. That group includes last year’s winner Ousmane Dembélé, midfielder Vitinha, who finished third in 2025, plus Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, and new signing Ferran Torres.
Other headline names on the men’s list include Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and Bayern’s Harry Kane. Kane is tipped as a top contender after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season.
Lionel Messi also made the cut after starring for Argentina at the World Cup. It is his 17th Ballon d’Or nomination, just one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record of 18. Ronaldo is absent from this year’s list. 2024 winner Rodri returns too, following a Golden Ball-winning World Cup campaign with Spain.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Race Wide Open
With four-time winner Aitana Bonmatí missing through injury, the women’s award looks set for a new champion. Favorites include Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, who now plays for London City Lionesses, along with teammates Ewa Pajor, Patri Guijarro, and Caroline Graham Hansen.
Other notable nominees are OL Lyonnes’ Melchie Dumornay and Wendie Renard, Bayern’s Pernille Harder, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, and NWSL stars Temwa Chawinga, Rose Lavelle, and Barbra Banda.
Other 2026 Awards
- Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal is chasing a third straight win. Pau Cubarsí is also nominated. On the women’s side, Vicky López and Clara Serrajordi represent Barcelona.
- Yashin Trophy: David Raya, Thibaut Courtois, and Joan García lead the men’s goalkeeper shortlist. Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Ann-Katrin Berger are back for the women.
- Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente, Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, and Luis Enrique are nominated for men. Jonatan Giráldez and Andrée Jeglertz headline the women’s list.
- Club of the Year: PSG will defend their title against Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Flamengo, and Bodø/Glimt. In the women’s category, Barcelona, Bayern, Man City, OL Lyonnes, and Club América are in the running.
When and Where
For the first time since 2019, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will not be in Paris. It moves to London on October 26, 2026, to honor inaugural winner Stanley Matthews.
The race looks wide open, with PSG’s depth, Barcelona’s young stars, and Messi’s late push all shaping what could be one of the most unpredictable Ballon d’Ors yet
