The Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees will be revealed on Tuesday, September 8, officially beginning the final race for football’s biggest individual prize. France Football will announce 30 players for the men’s award alongside 30 contenders for the women’s Ballon d’Or.
Fans worldwide eagerly await the shortlist after a remarkable 2025/26 season featuring major club competitions and the 2026 World Cup. Several global stars have strengthened their claims through outstanding performances throughout the campaign and during international football’s biggest tournament.
Among the expected contenders, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Rodri remain prominent names. Other players, including Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, and Vinícius Júnior, could also challenge strongly.
The Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees announcement will also reveal candidates across several additional award categories during Tuesday’s unveiling. Those categories include young talents, goalkeepers, coaches, strikers, and clubs competing for prestigious honours this year.
According to the official schedule, France Football will publish the shortlists between 11am and 4pm Central European Time. Voting journalists will then assess individual performances, collective achievements, and sportsmanship before determining the eventual winners.
Last year, Ousmane Dembélé claimed the men’s award, while Aitana Bonmatí won the women’s prize. This year’s ceremony will take place in London on October 26, marking the Ballon d’Or’s 70th anniversary. The final 30-player shortlist will intensify debate over who deserves football’s most prestigious individual honour this year.
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