Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are expected to compete for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after being named today in a list of 30 nominees for football’s biggest individual award.
Messi returned to the shortlist for the first time in three years after his impressive performance in the World Cup. Where he led Argentina to the final before losing to Spain.
The 39-year-old also had another fantastic year with Inter Miami in the United States, helping them win their first MLS Cup in December.
Messi has won the award eight times before, but it would be a huge surprise if he added a ninth.
His long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five Ballon d’Ors to his name, was not included despite helping Al-Nassr to the title in Saudi Arabia.
Kane is the bookies’ favorite after scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich in all competitions as he achieved another league and cup double. The 33-year-old also scored six goals to lead England to third place in the World Cup.
Mbappe, captain of the France national team, scored 42 goals in 44 matches with Real Madrid last season, and added 10 more goals in the United States, Canada and Mexico during the summer. But Madrid’s failure to win any major trophies may hamper their chances.
Yamal lifted La Liga – scoring 16 goals as the Catalans retained the trophy – and also played a key role in backing Spain to their Euro 2024 success by winning the World Cup.
Full list of nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Pau Cobarci (Barcelona)
Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
Willian Patcho (Paris Saint-Germain)
Julian Quinones (Al-Qadisiyah)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rodri (Barcelona)
Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Dior Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
