Sports
2026 Ballon d’Or: Dembélé, Messi, Mbappé, Bruno Fenandes, Yamal make 30-Man shortlist
The full 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been unveiled, with several of the biggest names in world football in contention for the prestigious individual prize.
Defending champion Ousmane Dembélé is among the nominees as he looks to retain the award, while seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has also made the shortlist.
The star-studded list features a host of leading players, including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Jr., Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is also among the contenders, alongside Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, Liverpool forward Luis Díaz and PSG midfielder Vitinha.
The nominations bring together some of the most influential performers in world football, setting the stage for another closely contested race for the prestigious award.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
The complete 30-player shortlist is:
Jude Bellingham
Pau Cubarsí
Marc Cucurella
Ousmane Dembélé
Luis Díaz
Bruno Fernandes
Gabriel
Erling Haaland
Achraf Hakimi
Harry Kane
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Lamine Yamal
Sadio Mané
Marquinhos
Lautaro Martínez
Kylian Mbappé
Nuno Mendes
Lionel Messi
João Neves
Michael Olise
Willian Pacho
Julián Quiñones
Declan Rice
Rodri
Fabián Ruiz
William Saliba
Ferran Torres
Dayot Upamecano
Vinícius Jr.
Vitinha
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