Messi and Dembele Among Nominees for 2026 Ballon d'Or

The nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or have been announced, featuring Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and reigning champion Ousmane Dembele as key contenders. Paris SG dominates the men's shortlist with ten players, reflecting their historic season and the presence of Dembele, who is competing for the trophy for the second consecutive year.

Messi is in the running for an unprecedented ninth Ballon d'Or. Other notable nominees include Rodri, the World Cup Golden Ball winner, along with Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham.

The complete list includes players like Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Luis Diaz, Bruno Fernandes, and Erling Haaland among others. In the women's category, Aitana Bonmat's absence means a new champion will be crowned, with nominees from clubs like FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Man City, and Lyon, including Selma Bacha and Alexia Putellas.