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Ballon d’Or Nominees 2026: Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi Among Star Names For Top Prize

Samira Vishwas | September 9, 2026 2:25 AM CST

Ballon d’Or Nominees 2026: The Ballon d’Or remains football’s most prestigious individual prize, recognising the players who have produced the finest campaign in world soccer. The 2026 edition is particularly significant. It marks the Ballon d’Or’s 70th anniversary and will take place in London on October 26, honouring inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews.

The 2026 awards assess performances from the 2025/26 season, including the FIFA World Cup. An international jury of journalists decides the winners. The men’s panel features one representative from each of the top 100 nations in the FIFA men’s ranking, while the women’s vote involves the top 50 nations.

Each journalist ranks 10 players, with points awarded from 15 for first place to one for 10th. Voting is based on individual performances, team achievements and trophies, as well as sportsmanship, class and fair play.

Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees 2026

The main prize features 30 players. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé headline the race.

Harry Kane
Lamine Yamal
Rodri
Kylian Mbappe
Lionel Messi
Michael Olise
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Ousmane Dembele
Fabian Ruiz
Jude Bellingham
Erling Haaland
Vitinha
Pedri
Vinicius Junior
Raphinha

Men’s Goalkeeper Of The Year

The Yashin Trophy has 10 nominees. David Raya recorded 29 clean sheets, while Yassine Bounou posted 30.

Yassine Bounou
Thibaut Courtois
John Garcia
Gregor Kobel
Emiliano Martinez
Edouard Mendy
David Raya
Matvey Safonov
Unai Simon
Voice

Men’s Coach Of The Year

From Arsenal’s Premier League-winning Mikel Arteta to legendary Luis Enrique, the list features some big names:

Mikel Arteta
Luis de la Fuente
Unai Emery
Vincent Kompany
Luis Enrique

Men’s Club Of The Year

Arsenal
Bayern Munich
Bodø/Glimt
Flemish
Paris Saint-Germain

Ballon d’Or Nominees 2026: Women’s Awards

The women’s Ballon d’Or, also called Ballon d’Or Feminin, also has a 30-player shortlist. Other women’s categories include Young Talent, Goalkeeper, Coach and Club of the Year. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Club America, Manchester City and OL Lyonnes are nominated for Women’s Club of the Year.