Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal headline the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with 30 players shortlisted for football’s most prestigious individual award.
The nominees were announced on Tuesday, with the award ceremony scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
Kane earned his place on the list following another outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich and England, while Mbappé was recognised after an impressive season with Real Madrid. Yamal also made the cut after another standout campaign for Barcelona.
Lionel Messi has returned to the shortlist for the first time since 2023, when he claimed the award for a record-extending eighth time following his move to Inter Miami.
Paris Saint-Germain lead the club rankings with 10 players nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, while clubs from LaLiga have seven representatives and the Premier League has four.
Former winner Rodri is also among the nominees. The Barcelona midfielder won the award in 2024 and is joined on the shortlist by teammates Yamal and Pau Cubarsí.
Paris Saint-Germain are also among the leading contenders for the Men’s Club of the Year prize after a successful season, with Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Flamengo and Bodo/Glimt completing the five-club shortlist.
The Manager of the Year award will be contested by PSG boss Luis Enrique, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year following his impressive performances at the World Cup.
Yamal is also among 10 players nominated for the Young Talent of the Year award.
Complete 2026 Ballon d’Or Shortlists
Men’s Ballon d’Or
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
Young Talent of the Year
Kerim Alajbegović
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Pau Cubarsí
Yan Diomandé
Lennart Karl
Éli Junior Kroupi
Lamine Yamal
Johan Manzambi
Ibrahim Maza
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Goalkeeper of the Year
Yassine Bounou
Thibaut Courtois
Joan García
Gregor Kobel
Emiliano Martínez
Édouard Mendy
David Raya
Matvey Safonov
Vozinha
Unai Simón
Manager of the Year
Luis Enrique
Vincent Kompany
Mikel Arteta
Luis de la Fuente
Unai Emery
Club of the Year
Paris Saint-Germain
Bayern Munich
Arsenal
Flamengo
Bodo/Glimt
