Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane headline the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, setting up a heavyweight battle for football’s most prestigious individual prize.
The nominees, announced by France Football, feature a mix of established stars and a new generation of contenders, with reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé also making the cut after helping Paris Saint-Germain secure the Champions League and Ligue 1 titles.
Kane enters the race after a prolific campaign with Bayern Munich, scoring 73 goals in 65 matches while helping the club claim the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup. Haaland meanwhile scored 58 goals in 64 appearances for Manchester City.
Messi is also in contention after another outstanding campaign with Inter Miami, where he recorded 45 goals and 30 assists in 49 matches. The eight-time winner will be looking to add another Ballon d’Or to his record haul after lifting the MLS title.
Yamal is among the younger contenders after scoring 25 goals and providing 20 assists for Barcelona, while Mbappé makes the cut after a 58-goal campaign with Real Madrid.
Other notable nominees include Jude Bellingham, Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, Achraf Hakimi, Lautaro Martínez, Vinícius Jr. and Rodri.
One major omission is Cristiano Ronaldo, who misses out despite winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, marking the first time the prestigious awards ceremony has been held in the British capital.
