Ballon d'Or 2026: 30 nominees announced — Messi returns, Ronaldo omitted
France Football named 30 candidates on 8 September 2026; PSG supplies nine nominees and the ceremony is set for 26 October in London.
France Football released the full list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, returning some familiar names and leaving out others. The list, unveiled on 8 September 2026, features current world champion Lamine Yamal alongside top scorers and playmakers from Europe’s biggest teams.
Big names, heavy Paris Saint-Germain representation
Among the players named are Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé and Lionel Messi. The list also includes rising and established talents such as Michael Olise, Vinícius Júnior, Luis Díaz, Rodri, Lautaro Martínez, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes.
Paris Saint-Germain stands out with nine nominees — the most of any club — in the selection: Dembélé, Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, William Pacho, Fabián Ruiz and Marquinhos.
One high-profile omission attracts attention: Cristiano Ronaldo is not among the 30 candidates. The Portuguese forward, who won the Saudi domestic title with Al Nassr, was last nominated in 2022.
The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on 26 October in London, marking the first time the award is presented outside Paris.
Photo: press material from the event
