French magazine France Football and UEFA revealed the 30-man nominee shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on September 8, 2026. The prestigious individual award will be presented at an October 26 ceremony in London, marking the first time the historic event is staged in the English capital.
The 30-Man Shortlist and Leading Contenders
The race for football’s highest individual honor officially get underway following the release of the complete list by France Football. Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane enters the running as the bookmakers’ favorite after scoring 73 goals last season, positioning himself to potentially become the first Englishman to win the prize since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane is joined on the long-list by international teammates Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. Other prominent names featuring in the men’s category include Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and current holder Ousmane Dembélé. Paris Saint-Germain heavily dominates the representation on the shortlist, contributing approximately 10 players following a dominant domestic and European campaign under manager Luis Enrique.
Notable Absences and Snubs
While the list captures the sport’s biggest names, several high-profile omissions sparked immediate debate among supporters and pundits. Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the nominees list for the fourth consecutive year, despite winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. At age 41, the omission of the five-time winner was widely anticipated rather than treated as a major shock, though his Al-Nassr teammate Sadio Mané successfully made the cut alongside Al-Qadsiah’s Julián Quiñones.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka also failed to secure a nomination despite playing a central role in the Gunners’ historic Premier League title win—their first in 22 years—and helping guide the club to the UEFA Champions League final. Other notable absentees include Barcelona’s Raphinha and Pedri, former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, and PSG revelation Désiré Doué.
Lionel Messi Returns to the Shortlist
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi returns to the Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time since 2023, the year he claimed the award for a record eighth time. The Argentine forward contributed strongly at club level and scored eight goals to help Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final, where they ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
Messi’s inclusion highlights the lingering influence of veterans alongside a wave of emerging talent, such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. Alongside the main men’s prize, organizers will present several additional accolades during the October ceremony.
Expanded Categories and London Ceremony
For the first time in the award’s history, the grand ceremony will take place outside France, bringing the event to London on October 26. The evening will unveil winners across multiple categories, including the Yashin
award for the best goalkeeper and the Kopa
award for the best young player, alongside coaching and club honors.
With voting scheduled to determine the ultimate winner in late October, the juxtaposition of dominant continental champions and veteran icons sets up a tightly contested battle for world football’s most coveted individual prize.
