The full shortlists for the men’s and women’s 2026 Ballon d’Or have been released, with Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and reigning champion Ousmane Dembele set to be amongst the top contenders.
Paris SG lead the men’s list with 10 players on it following their historic season and to mark their incumbent winner Ousmane Dembele competing for the trophy for a second consecutive year. Messi is competing for an outright world-record ninth Ballon d’Or, with Rodri also selected as World Cup Golden Ball winner, with the Spaniard and his country celebrating success this year whilst claiming that prize with Spain.
Other strong contenders to also gain a place amongst the nominees are: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Lautaro Martinez respectively, all vying for the accolade as each competes.
Men’s Ballon d’Or nominations
Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembele, LuisDiaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mane, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, Joao Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julien Quiones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabin Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vincius Junior and Vitinha.
With Aitana Bonmat absent from the women’s nominated list, a new champion of that prestigious award will be crowned following that news, with FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Man City, and Lyon appearing heavily within both nominations:
Women’s Ballon d’Or nominations
Selma Bacha, Brbara Banda, Klara Bhl, Esmee Brugts, Mariona Caldentey, Scarlet Camneros, Kerstin Casparij, Temwa Chawinga, Cata Coll, Melchie Dumornay, Caroline Graham Hansen, Alex Greenwood, Patri Guijarro, Pernille Harder, Yui Hasegawa, Rose Lavelle, Mapi Len, Lorena, Melvine Malard, Manaka Matsukubo, Vivianne Miedema, Ewa Pajor, Cludia Pina, Alexia Putellas, Wendie Renard, Alessia Russo, Khadija Shaw, Momoko Tanikawa, Caroline Weir and Tessa Wullaert.
