Messi and Yamal Nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, has been nominated for the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or, marking his 17th career nomination. At 39 years old, Messi has previously won the award eight times, with victories in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

He retired from the Argentina national team in August 2023. Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old attacker for Barcelona and the Spain national team, has received his third nomination following a successful season that included a World Cup win with Spain, a Spanish league title, and the Super Cup.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London, which is notable as it will be the first time the event is held outside Paris, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the award and honoring its inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews.