Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé have been named among the 30 players shortlisted for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or as football’s biggest individual award prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
According to UEFA, the nominees were announced on Tuesday ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre in England.
Eight-time winner Messi returns to the shortlist alongside Barcelona youngster Yamal, Real Madrid forward Mbappé and defending Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice are also among the leading names competing for the prestigious award.
Messi returns to Ballon d’Or contention
Messi’s inclusion puts the Inter Miami captain back in contention for an award he has won a record eight times.
The Argentine faces competition from some of Europe’s biggest performers, including Yamal, who continues to establish himself among football’s elite despite his young age.
Dembélé will also attempt to retain the trophy after winning the 2025 edition, while Mbappé is again chasing his first Ballon d’Or.
Paris Saint-Germain are heavily represented on the shortlist, with several players from the French champions making the final 30.
Full 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees
1. Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid, England
2. Pau Cubarsí — Barcelona, Spain
3. Marc Cucurella — Chelsea/Real Madrid, Spain
4. Ousmane Dembélé — Paris Saint-Germain, France
5. Luis Díaz — Bayern Munich, Colombia
6. Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United, Portugal
7. Gabriel — Arsenal, Brazil
8. Erling Haaland — Manchester City, Norway
9. Achraf Hakimi — Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco
10. Harry Kane — Bayern Munich, England
11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia
12. Lamine Yamal — Barcelona, Spain
13. Sadio Mané — Al-Nassr, Senegal
14. Marquinhos — Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil
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London hosts historic ceremony
The 2026 ceremony will be held in London for the first time as the Ballon d’Or marks 70 years since France Football created the award in 1956.
The choice of London also pays tribute to England legend Stanley Matthews, who became the first player to win the Ballon d’Or 70 years ago.
France Football has organised the award in partnership with UEFA since 2024.
Alongside the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or, the ceremony will also recognise the best young players, goalkeepers, coaches, clubs and strikers in the men’s and women’s game.
The winner of the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or will be revealed at the London ceremony on October 26.
