By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
France Football has unveiled the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, with performances during the 2025-26 seasons and the 2026 FIFA World Cup taken into consideration.
Among the leading names in contention are Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid, and defending winner Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Spain and France have the strongest representation on the shortlist. Spain’s nominees include Yamal, Rodri and Pau Cubarsí, while France is represented by Dembélé, Mbappé and Michael Olise.
PSG have the highest number of nominees among clubs, with eight players making the shortlist. They include Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes.
Other notable nominees include Harry Kane and Luis Díaz, who both moved to Bayern Munich, as well as Senegalese forward Sadio Mané of Al Nassr and Mexican striker Julián Quiñones of Al Qadsiah. Quiñones becomes only the second Mexican player to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on the shortlist for the first time in several years.
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London. It will mark the first time the prestigious ceremony has been held outside Paris and will honour the legacy of Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner.
The ceremony will also feature awards for the men’s and women’s categories, as well as honours for coaches and clubs.