Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees list announced

The list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been officially revealed, highlighting some of the world's top football talent. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London. Notable candidates include Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi. Other prominent players on the list are Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Ousmane Dembele, and Bruno Fernandes.

For the fifth consecutive time, the assessment criteria are based on player performance during the specific season from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, rather than the calendar year. This period includes the recent World Cup, which plays a significant role in the voting process. A jury of specialized journalists, representing 100 top men’s FIFA-ranked nations and 50 top women’s-ranked nations, will conduct the final voting. The previous year's winner, Ousmane Dembele, has identified Kvaratskhelia, Kane, and Mbappé as his top three favorites for the prestigious honor.