France Football announced the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or on September 8. PSG dominates the nominations with multiple representatives, including Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and William Pacho. Dembele, last year's winner, returns as a contender, though a new champion is anticipated.
Spain leads all nations with six nominees on the list. This includes Rodri, the 2024 winner and World Cup Golden Ball recipient who recently moved to Barcelona from Manchester City. Lamine Yamal, Rodri's teammate at Barcelona, also earned a nomination after finishing runner-up to Dembele in the previous edition.
Other notable players on the shortlist include Kylian Mbappe (9 career nominations), Lionel Messi (17 career nominations), Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham. Messi was included due to his World Cup performance, though his team's final loss likely diminished his chances at a record-extending ninth award.
