Paris Saint-Germain Dominates 2026 Ballon d’Or Shortlist With Nine Nominees

France Football, in partnership with UEFA, has released the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or — the annual award recognizing the world’s best male footballer. The list was published on 9 September 2026.

Key Nominees and Notable Absences

Among the nominees are global stars Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, and Lamine Yamal. Also named are players who delivered standout performances last season and at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with their national teams.

Messi — an eight-time winner of the award — remains on the list despite his age. Defending champion Dembélé re-enters the race to retain the trophy. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, Senegalese forward Sadio Mané — who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr — and Mexican striker Julián Quiñones of Al-Qadsiah also feature, marking two representatives from the Saudi-based Roshn Saudi League.

Club and National Team Representation

Paris Saint-Germain, crowned European champions, leads all clubs with nine nominees: Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Fabinho Ruiz, William Saliba, and Vitinha.

Spain’s national team — reigning world champions — is strongly represented across multiple clubs. Several nominees play for Spanish sides, including Paucou Bocarsi and Lamine Yamal at FC Barcelona, and Ferran Torres, also at Barcelona.

Major Surprises in the Shortlist

One of the most significant omissions is Cristiano Ronaldo, ending his long-standing streak of consecutive appearances on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Brazilian midfielder Raphinha, and Spanish midfielder Pedri — all prominent figures in recent seasons — are also absent from the 2026 list.

Full List of 2026 Ballon d’Or Nominees

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Paucou Bocarsi (Barcelona, Spain)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea, Spain)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich, Colombia)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal)
Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr, Senegal)
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Argentina)
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain, Ecuador)
Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah, Mexico)
Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
Ferran Torres (Barcelona, Spain)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Award Ceremony Details

The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for 26 October 2026 in London, United Kingdom. The event will also reveal recipients of the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player.