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The Ultimate Roll of Honour: The Complete Official Shortlists for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Awards

Byline: Global Sports Desk  
  Focus: Official Nominees Roster & Stats  
  Updated: September 9, 2026

THE BIG STORY: The wait is over. The official 30-player shortlists for the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or and the Ballon d'Or Feminin have been revealed. With the prestigious ceremony set for October 26 in London, the footballing world now knows exactly which superstars are in the running to be crowned the best players on the planet.

As the 70th edition of the historic awards ceremony approaches, the spotlight shifts to the incredible talent that defined the 2025/2026 season. From domestic league triumphs to international World Cup glories, this year's list is a celebration of footballing excellence—with a few massive surprises thrown in.

THE ULTIMATE PRIZE: The football world turns its attention to London this October to see who will lift the golden ball.

Below is the comprehensive, official breakdown of every player nominated across the major categories, complete with their club representations and standout achievements from the season.

Men's Top 30 Women's Top 30 Coaches & Clubs Have Your Say!

Men's Ballon d'Or: The 30-Man Shortlist

France Football and UEFA have officially announced the 30 nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or. From top Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League stars to international goalscorers, review the complete 30-man player list, club details, and key season achievements in our comprehensive 2026 Ballon d'Or nominee breakdown.

Headlined by odds-on favorite Harry Kane, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, the men's list is packed with global superstars representing top leagues around the world.

1. Jude Bellingham Real Madrid • Key architect in domestic success
2. Pau Cubarsi FC Barcelona • Breakout defensive prodigy
3. Marc Cucurella Chelsea/Real Madrid • Standout international performances
4. Ousmane Dembele Paris Saint-Germain • Dynamic attacking winger
5. Luis Diaz Bayern Munich • Electric forward play
6. Bruno Fernandes Manchester United • Midfield maestro & captain
7. Gabriel Arsenal • Rock-solid title-winning defense
8. Erling Haaland Manchester City • Elite goalscoring machine
9. Achraf Hakimi Paris Saint-Germain • World-class right back
10. Harry Kane Bayern Munich • Odds-on favorite, 61 goals, European Golden Shoe
11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Paris Saint-Germain • Champions League Winner
12. Lamine Yamal FC Barcelona • World Cup Winner & teenage sensation
13. Sadio Mane Al Nassr • Surprise nomination from Saudi Pro League
14. Marquinhos Paris Saint-Germain • Defensive leadership in UCL triumph
15. Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan • Serie A talisman
16. Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid • 42 goals, UCL & World Cup Golden Boot
17. Nuno Mendes Paris Saint-Germain • Explosive full-back displays
18. Lionel Messi Inter Miami • Global icon continuing to shine in MLS
19. Joao Neves Paris Saint-Germain • Midfield engine room
20. Michael Olise Bayern Munich • Scintillating creative playmaker
21. Willian Pacho Paris Saint-Germain • Defensive consistency
22. Julian Quinones Al Qadsiah • Wildcard entry with 4 World Cup goals for Mexico
23. Declan Rice Arsenal • Premier League title winner
24. Rodri Man City/FC Barcelona • The ultimate midfield anchor
25. Fabian Ruiz Paris Saint-Germain • Crucial midfield control
26. William Saliba Arsenal • Premier League's standout defender
27. Ferran Torres FC Barcelona/PSG • Versatile attacking threat
28. Dayot Upamecano Bayern Munich • Bavarian defensive wall
29. Vinicius Junior Real Madrid • Elite dribbling and attacking output
30. Vitinha Paris Saint-Germain • UCL winning midfield metronome

Ballon d'Or Feminin: The 30-Woman Shortlist

The Ballon d’Or Feminin 2026 race is wide open as a new winner prepares to be crowned following Aitana Bonmatí’s reign. Explore the top women’s footballers nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and the standout stars who impressed during the 2025/26 season.

With three-time reigning holder Aitana Bonmati missing out due to an injury-hit campaign, the door is open for a new (or returning) winner. London City Lionesses captain Alexia Putellas, Arsenal's Alessia Russo, and Manchester City's Bunny Shaw lead a highly competitive field.

1. Selma Bacha OL Lyonnes
2. Barbra Banda Orlando Pride
3. Klara Buhl Bayern Munich
4. Esmee Brugts FC Barcelona
5. Mariona Caldentey Arsenal
6. Scarlett Camberos Club America
7. Kerstin Casparij Manchester City
8. Temwa Chawinga Kansas City Current
9. Cata Coll FC Barcelona
10. Melchie Dumornay OL Lyonnes
11. Caroline Graham Hansen FC Barcelona
12. Alex Greenwood Manchester City
13. Patri Guijarro FC Barcelona • Key role in UCL success
14. Pernille Harder Bayern Munich
15. Yui Hasegawa Manchester City • WSL Standout
16. Rose Lavelle Gotham FC
17. Mapi Leon FC Barcelona/London City Lionesses
18. Lorena Kansas City Current
19. Melvine Malard Manchester United/Chelsea
20. Manaka Matsukubo North Carolina Courage/Chelsea
21. Vivianne Miedema Manchester City
22. Ewa Pajor FC Barcelona • Key role in UCL success
23. Claudia Pina FC Barcelona
24. Alexia Putellas FC Barcelona/London City • 2021 & 2022 Winner
25. Wendie Renard OL Lyonnes
26. Alessia Russo Arsenal • Leading WSL contender
27. Bunny Shaw Manchester City • WSL Standout
28. Momoko Tanikawa Bayern Munich
29. Caroline Weir Real Madrid/OL Lyonnes
30. Tessa Wullaert Inter Milan/Como

Coaches, Clubs & Young Talent

The Ballon d’Or 2026 honours go beyond the world’s best players, with elite coaches, top clubs and football’s brightest young talents also competing for prestigious awards. Discover the nominees for Coach of the Year, Club of the Year and the Young Talent award, recognising the architects of success and the rising stars shaping the future of world football.

Men's Coach of the Year Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Luis Enrique (PSG), and Luis de la Fuente (Spain National Team) lead the contenders for their outstanding tactical achievements this past season.

Clubs of the Year Men's Nominees: Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo, Bodo/Glimt, and Bayern Munich.
Women's Nominees: Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Club Monterrey, OL Lyonnes, and Bayern Munich.

Young Talent of the Year Men's Nominees: Yan Diomande, Lamine Yamal, Lennart Karl, Warren Zaire-Emery, Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa), Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City).
Women's Nominees: Vicky Lopez (FC Barcelona), Clara Serrajordi (FC Barcelona), Veerle Buurman (Chelsea).

LEADERS VERDICT: JOIN THE DEBATE!

The Stage is Set for London!

With the official lists now fully revealed, the countdown to October 26 begins. Whether it's Harry Kane looking to become the first Englishman to win since 2001, Kylian Mbappe hoping to secure his first golden ball, or the fierce competition in the Ballon d'Or Feminin, this year's ceremony promises to be a spectacular celebration of the beautiful game.

The players have done the work on the pitch; now, the voting jury must make their final decisions.

👇 WHO IS YOUR PICK TO WIN? DROP YOUR COMMENTS BELOW! 👇
Review the official 30-man and 30-woman lists above and let us know who you believe deserves the ultimate crown in world football!

© Leaders Mandate | Global Football Desk