Omanghana
France Football has unveiled the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, setting up a highly competitive race following a remarkable year of club and international football.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is among the leading contenders after scoring 42 goals for the Spanish giants last season. The France captain also won a second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot and became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane also enters the race after one of the most productive campaigns of his career. The England captain scored 73 goals for club and country, helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and led his national team to the World Cup semi-finals.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is another strong candidate after playing an important role in Spain’s World Cup triumph and his club’s domestic success. The youngster is also considered a leading contender for the Kopa Trophy.
Reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé has returned to defend the award. He leads a sizeable Paris Saint-Germain contingent that reflects the French club’s successful season.
Eight-time winner Lionel Messi has also earned another nomination at the age of 39. The Inter Miami captain inspired Argentina’s run to the World Cup final and helped his club lift the MLS Cup.
Full 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or Shortlist
| Player | Club | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | England |
| Pau Cubarsí | Barcelona | Spain |
| Marc Cucurella | Real Madrid | Spain |
| Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain | France |
| Luis Díaz | Bayern Munich | Colombia |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | Portugal |
| Gabriel Magalhães | 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 |
| Julian Quiñones | Al-Qadsiah | Mexico |
| Declan Rice | Arsenal | England |
| Rodri | Barcelona | Spain |
| Fabián Ruiz | Paris Saint-Germain | Spain |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | France |
| Ferran Torres | Paris Saint-Germain | Spain |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | France |
| Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid | Brazil |
| Vitinha | Paris Saint-Germain | Portugal |
Paris Saint-Germain have the largest representation on the shortlist, with 10 players included. Their dominance reflects the club’s achievements across domestic and international competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from the list, while Barcelona stars Pedri and Raphinha are among the other notable omissions.
Nominations have also been announced for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, featuring players such as Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay.
Other categories include the Yashin Trophy for goalkeepers, the men’s and women’s young player awards and Coach of the Year, with Mikel Arteta, Vincent Kompany and Luis Enrique among the nominated managers.
Source: Omanghana
