LONDON — The soccer world is once again turning its attention to the prestigious Ballon d’Or, with the 2026 nominees officially announced and the world’s top men’s and women’s players competing for one of football’s most coveted individual honors.
France Football revealed 30 nominees for the men’s award and 30 for the women’s award. Among the biggest names on the men’s list are Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal.
Kane enters the race as one of the leading contenders after an extraordinary season with Bayern Munich and England. Messi also earned another nomination after helping Inter Miami win the MLS title and guiding Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final.
The women’s field includes stars such as Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, Ewa Pajor, Alex Greenwood and Melchie Dumornay. Three-time reigning winner Aitana Bonmatí is notably absent from this year’s nominees after an injury-hit season.
The 2026 ceremony will make history by moving to London for the first time. The awards are scheduled for October 26, with the event also recognizing the year’s top young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs.
With World Cup performances playing a major role in this year’s voting period, the competition is expected to be especially intense. Football fans now have weeks to debate who deserves to take home the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or trophies.
