HARRY Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe are among the headline acts vying for football’s most prestigious individual prize, as the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees were unveiled today.
The 30-man shortlist features a glittering array of talent from across the globe, with Lionel Messi also included despite now plying his trade away from Europe’s elite leagues.
The Argentine legend joins a stellar cast that includes Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Declan Rice.
The men’s category sees Premier League representation through the likes of Manchester City’s Rodri, Arsenal’s William Saliba and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, while Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane will be hoping his prolific form in Germany catches the voters’ attention.
Women’s Race Wide Open
The women’s Ballon d’Or features 30 nominees, with Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas once again among the favourites. England’s Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood fly the flag for the Lionesses, while Chelsea’s new signing lies in wait among a competitive field.
Young Talent Honoured Separately
In a change to the traditional format, organisers have carved out dedicated categories for emerging talent. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal heads the men’s Young Talent of the Year shortlist, alongside compatriot Pau Cubarsí and Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery.
The women’s young player award features five nominees, including Dutch prodigy Veerle Buurman and Spanish starlet Vicky López.
Coaching and Club Awards
Mikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente and Vincent Kompany are among the five nominees for Men’s Coach of the Year, while Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain battle for Club of the Year honours.
The glittering ceremony will take place at London’s Theatre du Châtelet on October 26, where the winners will be crowned in front of football’s elite.
