Ballon d’Or 2026: Star-Studded Shortlists Revealed For Historic Ceremony
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is officially underway, with some of the biggest names in world football included on a star-studded 30-player shortlist.
The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 26 October 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre in London, England, marking the first time the event has been held at the iconic venue.
This year’s ceremony carries added significance as the Ballon d’Or celebrates its 70th anniversary, having been created by France Football in 1956.
The decision to host the ceremony in London also pays tribute to the award’s inaugural winner, England legend Sir Stanley Matthews.
Kane Among England’s Leading Contenders
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is among three England internationals nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or.
Kane is joined by Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice on the 30-player shortlist, with the Bayern forward considered one of the leading contenders for the prestigious individual prize.
Kane enjoyed another prolific campaign, further strengthening his credentials after establishing himself as one of the world’s most prolific forwards since moving to Germany.
He faces competition from a host of global superstars, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé.
Messi Chasing A Ninth Ballon d’Or
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been nominated once again as he attempts to add a ninth Ballon d’Or to his remarkable collection.
The 39-year-old scored eight goals during the World Cup before Argentina suffered defeat to Spain in the final in July.
Messi has since retired from international football, but his nomination highlights his extraordinary longevity and continued influence at the highest level of the game.
Should he win, Messi would further extend his record as the most decorated Ballon d’Or winner in history.
Spain Dominates The Shortlist
Spain’s World Cup triumph is strongly reflected in this year’s nominations, with six members of the victorious squad included on the shortlist.
Among them is Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, who continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football.
Ferran Torres is also nominated after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final. The forward subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona during the summer.
Rodri and Marc Cucurella are among the other Spanish nominees, alongside Yamal and Torres.
Nine Nominations For The European Champions
Back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain have a significant presence on the shortlist, with nine players nominated, excluding new signing Torres.
Last year’s winner Ousmane Dembélé is once again in contention, while Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha and Dayot Upamecano also feature.
Real Madrid have three nominees in Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, while Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba are also recognised.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Features Global Stars
The women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist features an equally impressive collection of international talent.
England and Arsenal forward Alessia Russo is among the nominees, alongside Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey.
Barcelona have several representatives, including Caroline Graham Hansen, Cata Coll, Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor, Clàudia Pina and former winner Alexia Putellas.
Zambia star Barbra Banda, Jamaica forward Khadija Shaw, Japan international Yui Hasegawa and Brazil goalkeeper Lorena are also among the contenders.
Young Talent, Goalkeepers And Coaches Recognised
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will once again recognise excellence across several categories beyond the main men’s and women’s awards.
The Men’s Young Talent of the Year shortlist includes Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Yan Diomandé, while Barcelona’s Vicky López is among the five nominees for the women’s award.
The goalkeeper categories feature several of the world’s leading shot-stoppers. Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, David Raya and Yassine Bounou are among the men’s nominees, while England’s Hannah Hampton, Spain’s Cata Coll and Brazil’s Lorena feature in the women’s category.
The Men’s Coach of the Year nominees include Mikel Arteta, Luis Enrique, Vincent Kompany, Unai Emery and Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente.
Clubs Also In Contention
The awards will also recognise the leading clubs across the men’s and women’s game.
The men’s Club of the Year nominees are Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt, Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Club América, Manchester City and OL Lyonnes are nominated in the women’s category.
The ceremony will also feature the Men’s and Women’s Striker of the Year awards, as well as the Sócrates Award, which honours solidarity initiatives and societal causes supported by committed footballers.
London Set To Host Historic Ceremony
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be a landmark occasion as the prestigious award celebrates seven decades of recognising football’s finest individual talent.
The London setting provides a fitting connection to the prize’s history, paying tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, who became the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner in 1956.
Seven decades later, the football world will once again turn its attention to London as a new chapter is added to the award’s illustrious history.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday, 26 October, at the London Palladium Theatre.