2026 Ballon d’Or: 30-man nominee shortlist unveiled
The full 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been revealed, with some of the biggest names in world football included among the contenders for the prestigious individual award.
Defending champion Ousmane Dembélé is among the nominees, while seven-time winner Lionel Messi also features on the list.
Other high-profile contenders include Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Jr., Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Achraf Hakimi.
The shortlist also includes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal defender William Saliba, Liverpool forward Luis Díaz and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha.
The complete 30-player shortlist is:
- Jude Bellingham
- Pau Cubarsí
- Marc Cucurella
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Luis Díaz
- Bruno Fernandes
- Gabriel
- Erling Haaland
- Achraf Hakimi
- Harry Kane
- 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 Jr.
- Vitinha
The nominees represent some of the outstanding performers from the 2025/26 football season, with club success, individual performances and consistency among the factors considered for the award.
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be crowned at the awards ceremony in London on October 26.
