Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland headline the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with 30 players shortlisted for the prestigious individual award.
France Football announced the nominees on Tuesday, and the list features some of the biggest names in world football after a dramatic season that included the 2026 FIFA World Cup and another memorable Champions League campaign.
Messi is seeking a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or after another outstanding year with Argentina and Inter Miami. The 39-year-old helped Argentina reach the World Cup final and also enjoyed an impressive campaign in Major League Soccer.
England captain Harry Kane is also among the leading contenders after a remarkable season with Bayern Munich. Kane scored 73 goals for club and country and helped Bayern secure a treble, while also scoring six times for England at the World Cup.
Manchester City striker Haaland is another major contender after scoring 58 goals for club and country, while Barcelona youngster Yamal continues to establish himself as one of the world’s leading players.
Defending champion Ousmane Dembele has also been nominated after another outstanding campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, while Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice are among the other prominent names on the shortlist.
The 30 nominees are:
- 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 Júnior
- Vitinha.
One of the biggest surprises is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, while Barcelona’s Raphinha and Pedri are also missing from the men’s shortlist.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 26 at the London Palladium, marking the first time the prestigious awards ceremony has been staged in London. The event will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or and pay tribute to the first winner, England legend Stanley Matthews.
With Messi, Kane, Haaland, Mbappe, Yamal and Dembele among the leading names, the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises to be one of the most closely contested in recent years.
