The 2026 Ballon d’Or is entering the stage that sparks the biggest debates of the season: the publication of the shortlist. The organizers have announced the 30 names for the men’s award, with some expected figures, some surprise inclusions and one omission that has immediately triggered discussion: Raphinha.
The ceremony moves to London
This year’s ceremony will take place on October 26 in London, a move that takes the event away from Paris and brings it to the English capital for the first time.
According to the organizers at France Football, the award continues to be based on three main criteria: individual performance, team success, and the player’s class accompanied by sporting behavior. A total of 30 nominees have been selected for both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or.
The leading names in the men’s race
The published list includes Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané and Marquinhos.
Among the most discussed names for the trophy are also Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Lionel Messi and Vinícius Júnior. The list itself shows that this year’s race has no clear path and that the weight of the jury’s assessment is expected to be decisive.
Raphinha’s absence has also drawn major attention, standing out on a list that does not lack high-profile names from leading clubs and national teams.
Kane, Yamal and Mbappé among the favorites
Harry Kane appears as one of the strongest candidates after a highly productive season with Bayern Munich. According to the official version, his performances with England at the World Cup have also added weight to his candidacy.
Lamine Yamal is also at the center of attention. The 18-year-old Barcelona player has been one of the most talked-about names of the season and is once again ranked among the figures who could seriously influence the race.
Kylian Mbappé also remains at the core of the favorites. According to data published by the award’s official website, he scored 58 goals for Real Madrid and France during the period under consideration. After his success in 2025, the Frenchman returns to the list aiming to win it again.
Rodri returns, while the race opens up in other categories as well
Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner in 2024, is once again part of the list. His presence adds weight to the competition, especially in an edition where players who have won or come very close to the trophy in recent years are going head to head.
In addition to the main award, Yamal is also a candidate for the young talent trophy, where he faces names such as Kerim Alajbegović, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Pau Cubarsí, Yan Diomandé, Lennart Karl, Éli Junior Kroupi, Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Maza and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Other awards will also be handed out at the London ceremony, including the Yashin award for best goalkeeper, coaching awards and the Club of the Year trophy.
The women’s list also brings a major omission
The 30 nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or have also been published. The list includes, among others, Selma Bacha, Barbra Banda, Klara Bühl, Mariona Caldentey, Caroline Graham Hansen, Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo and Khadija Shaw.
One of the biggest talking points is the absence of Aitana Bonmatí, winner of the last three editions. She is left off this year’s list due to an injury that ruled her out for the remainder of the season.
In the goalkeeper category, Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, Lorena and Ayaka Yamashita have been selected, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Club América, Manchester City and Lyon have been nominated for Women’s Club of the Year.
The publication of the list officially starts a debate that is rarely settled by statistics alone. The names are on the table, but as every year, the controversy over inclusions and omissions appears just as strong as the race for the trophy itself.
On October 26 in London, it will become clear whether the jury’s assessment follows the logic of the season on the pitch or produces another edition marked by strong debate over the final choices.