2026 Ballon d’Or Nominees Announced as Messi, Yamal and Mbappé Make Shortlist

The nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or have been announced, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé among the leading names competing for football’s most prestigious individual honour.

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre in England. It will be the first time London hosts the ceremony, with the choice paying tribute to Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner in 1956.

The Ballon d’Or was established by France Football in 1956 and has been jointly organised by France Football and UEFA since 2024.

Thirty players were named on the men’s shortlist, including representatives from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Paris Saint-Germain has a strong presence, with Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha among the nominees.

Real Madrid is represented by Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Marc Cucurella, while Barcelona has Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Rodri on the list.

Harry Kane is also among the leading contenders after a remarkable campaign with Bayern Munich, while Arsenal’s Declan Rice and William Saliba, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan are also in contention.

Inter Miami forward Messi secured his 17th Ballon d’Or nomination following another impressive period with Argentina and at club level. His inclusion leaves him one nomination behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 18. Ronaldo, however, was not included on this year’s shortlist.

The women’s category also features several high-profile players, including Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Alessia Russo, Khadija Shaw and Melchie Dumornay.

Aitana Bonmatí, who won the women’s award in the previous three years, is not on this year’s shortlist due to injury, leaving the field open for a new winner.

Other honours to be presented during the ceremony include the Young Talent, Goalkeeper, Coach, Club and Striker of the Year awards for both men and women. The Sócrates Award will recognise solidarity initiatives and social causes supported by footballers.

The winners will be announced at the London ceremony on October 26.