Football’s biggest individual prize is once again up for grabs, with the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or unveiled on Tuesday.
The nominations feature some of the biggest names in world football, including defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, eight-time winner Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
Harry Kane enters the race as one of the leading contenders after an outstanding campaign, while Yamal, Mbappé and Dembélé are also expected to be among the major favourites. The shortlist also includes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona midfielder Rodri.
Full list of 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees
- Jude Bellingham
- Pau Cubarsí
- Marc Cucurella
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Luis Díaz
- Bruno Fernandes
- Gabriel Magalhães
- Erling Haaland
- Harry Kane
- Achraf Hakimi
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Lamine Yamal
- Sadio Mané
- Marquinhos
- Lautaro Martínez
- Kylian Mbappé
- Nuno Mendes
- Lionel Messi
- João Neves
- Michael Olise
- Willian Pacho
- Julián Quiñones
- Declan Rice
- Rodri
- Fabián Ruiz
- William Saliba
- Ferran Torres
- Dayot Upamecano
- Vinícius Júnior
- Vitinha.
One of the biggest talking points from the announcement is the absence of several established stars. Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphinha, Pedri and Dani Olmo failed to make the final 30-man shortlist.
The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, marking the first time the prestigious award ceremony will be held in the English capital. The event will also feature other major honours, including the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper and Kopa Trophy for the best young player.
With a mixture of established legends, current champions and emerging superstars, the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises to be one of the most closely watched in recent years.
