Sports
France Football magazine, in collaboration with UEFA, has unveiled the final 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award, vying for the title of the world's best player. This highly anticipated list features prominent names and notable surprises, stirring widespread interest. Leading the nominees are standout players from last season and the 2026 World Cup, including Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, and Erling Haaland. Notably, Messi, an eight-time winner, remains despite his age. Reigning champion Ousmane Dembélé returns to defend his award. The list also includes Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, plus two from the Saudi Pro League: Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr) and Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah). Paris Saint-Germain players, as European champions, dominate the list with nine nominees, showcasing their collective strength. The Spanish national team, world champions, also has strong representation, affirming their players' international quality. A major surprise was Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the Ballon d'Or race, ending his accustomed streak of nominations. Other key omissions include Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Raphinha (Brazil), and Pedri (Spain), despite their strong performances in recent seasons. **Full List of Nominees:** Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England) Pau Cubarsí (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) Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil) Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal) The 2026 Ballon d'Or winner will be revealed at a ceremony on October 26, 2026, in London. The event will also announce the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and Kopa Trophy for best young player winners.
