Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees: From Messi, Mbappé, Yamal to Kane Lead a Star-Studded Men’s Shortlist

The Ballon d’Or has never been short of drama. But in a FIFA World Cup year, the debate over who is the best performer carries extra weight. Last year, it was Ousmane Dembélé who emerged from a field packed with elite talent, claiming his first Ballon d’Or after a spectacular campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. 

The Frenchman finished ahead of Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha, with his starring role in the club’s historic Champions League triumph proving decisive. 

Now, with the Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees revealed, Dembélé returns to defend his crown. But the field around him has changed. Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi are among the 30 names in contention, with the World Cup likely to play a major role in deciding who takes home the prize.

Announced on Tuesday, September 8, the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist features 30 nominees in the men’s category, while another 30 players will compete for the women’s award including Alexia Putellas (who is fresh from a winning debut in the English league, and has also been recognised for her efforts last term as she drew the curtain on her time at FC Barcelona).

With the two prizes contested separately, here’s the complete list of nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or:

The 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, in London. It will be the 70th edition of the prestigious awards and the first time the ceremony is being held in London. Here's a full list of the players nominated for the Ballon d'Or 2026:

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

• Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona & Spain)

• Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid & Spain)

• Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain & France)

• Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich & Colombia)

• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)

• Gabriel (Arsenal & Brazil)

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)

• Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain & Morocco)

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia)

• Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona & Spain)

• Sadio Mané (Al Nassr & Senegal)

• Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain & Brazil)

• Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan & Argentina)

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)

• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami & Argentina)

• João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)

• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)

• Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain & Ecuador)

• Julian Quiñones (Al Qadsiah & Mexico)

• Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)

• Rodri (FC Barcelona & Spain)

• Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain & Spain)

• Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich & France)

• Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid & Brazil)

• Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)