The countdown to football’s most prestigious individual awards has officially begun.

Following the announcement by France Football and UEFA, the complete shortlists for the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or have been revealed, setting the stage for a historic awards night at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26, 2026.

The 2026 ceremony will celebrate the outstanding performers from the 2025/26 season, recognising the world’s best players, emerging talents, goalkeepers, coaches, and clubs.

Here is the complete breakdown of all nominees across the major Ballon d’Or categories.

⚽ Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026: 30-Player Shortlist

The race for football’s ultimate individual prize features a star-studded list of global superstars, with Paris Saint-Germain dominating the nominations after their historic domestic and European treble-winning campaign.

The shortlist includes established legends, Champions League winners, and the next generation of football icons.

Nominees:

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid / England)
• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona / Spain)
• Marc Cucurella (Chelsea / Spain)
• Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France, defending holder)
• Luis Díaz (Liverpool / 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)
• 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 Jr. (Real Madrid / Brazil)
• Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal)

🌟 Women’s Ballon d’Or 2026: 30-Player Shortlist

The Women’s Ballon d’Or continues to highlight the rapid growth and global competitiveness of women’s football.

This year’s nominees represent the very best from Europe, the NWSL, and international football, with African stars once again making history.

Featured Nominees:

• Selma Bacha (Lyon / France)
• Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride / Zambia)
• Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich / Germany)
• Esmee Brugts (Barcelona / Netherlands)
• Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal / Spain)
• Scarlett Camberos (Bay FC / Mexico)
• Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City / Netherlands)
• Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current / Malawi)

The shortlist also features several elite performers from Europe’s leading clubs and the NWSL, underlining the expanding global influence of the women’s game.

🧤 Yashin Trophy 2026: Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year Nominees

The Yashin Trophy honours the world’s best goalkeeper from the 2025/26 season, recognising elite shot-stopping, consistency, and match-winning performances.

Nominees:

• Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal / Morocco)
• Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid / Belgium)
• Joan García (Barcelona / Spain)
• Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund / Switzerland)
• Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea / Argentina)
• Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli / Senegal)
• David Raya (Arsenal / Spain)
• Matvey Safonov (Paris Saint-Germain / Russia)
• Unai Simón (Athletic Club / Spain)
• Vozinha (Colo Colo / Cape Verde)

✨ Kopa Trophy 2026: Best Young Player Nominees

The Kopa Trophy celebrates the brightest young talent in world football, with a new generation of stars competing for recognition.

Nominees:

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain, defending holder)
• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona / Spain)
• Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City / France)
• Yan Diomande (Real Madrid)
• Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth / France)
• Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa)
• Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

🏆 Coaching and Club Awards

Men’s Coach of the Year: Johan Cruyff Trophy

The award recognises the outstanding tactical minds who guided their teams to success during the season.

Featured nominees:

• Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
• Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
• Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
• Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Club of the Year Award

The Club of the Year categories celebrate the most successful teams in both men’s and women’s football.

Featured nominees include:

• Barcelona
• Bayern Munich
• Manchester City
• Arsenal
• Lyon
• Paris Saint-Germain

Final Verdict: Who Will Win the Ballon d’Or 2026?

With the shortlists officially confirmed, the final voting process now begins as international journalists prepare to select their winners.

From PSG’s dominant European campaign to the rise of young talents and the continued excellence of women’s football, the 2026 Ballon d’Or promises to be one of the most competitive editions in history.

Who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or 2026? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below.