2026 Ballon d’Or: Full list of 10 oldest nominees

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Age has once again proved to be just a number, with several veteran football stars featuring prominently among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.

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The shortlists, announced on September 8, 2026, feature an impressive group of players who have continued to perform at the highest level despite being well into their 30s.

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From Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, here is the full list of the 10 oldest nominees for the 2026 awards.

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1. Vozinha — 40 years, 97 days

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Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is the oldest player among this year’s nominees at 40 years and 97 days.

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He earned a nomination for the men’s Yashin Trophy after an impressive World Cup campaign.

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The nomination also made Vozinha the first player from Cabo Verde to be shortlisted for a Ballon d’Or ceremony.

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2. Lionel Messi — 39 years, 76 days

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Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is the second-oldest nominee at 39 years and 76 days.

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The Argentine star earned his 17th career Ballon d’Or nomination following his performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.

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Messi has also set a new record with a 20-year span between his first nomination in 2006 and his latest appearance on the shortlist in 2026.

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3. Wendie Renard — 36 years, 50 days

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French defender Wendie Renard is the oldest player among the women’s Ballon d’Or nominees.

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At 36 years and 50 days, the veteran defender continues to feature among the elite players in women’s football.

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4. Yassine Bounou — 35 years, 156 days

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Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is another veteran on the 2026 shortlist.

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The 35-year-old was nominated for the men’s Yashin Trophy, recognising the leading goalkeepers in world football.

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5. Sadio Mané — 34 years, 151 days

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Senegal forward Sadio Mané features among the oldest nominees at 34 years and 151 days.

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His performances in the Saudi Pro League and at the Africa Cup of Nations helped earn him his fifth career Ballon d’Or nomination.

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6. Édouard Mendy — 34 years, 191 days

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Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is also among the experienced players nominated for the Yashin Trophy.

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The former Chelsea goalkeeper is 34 years and 191 days old.

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7. Thibaut Courtois — 34 years, 120 days

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 34, also features on the Yashin Trophy shortlist.

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The Belgian remains one of the most experienced goalkeepers among this year’s nominees.

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8. Emiliano Martínez — 34 years, 6 days

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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez completes the group of veteran goalkeepers on the Yashin Trophy shortlist.

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The 34-year-old has continued to feature prominently at international and club level.

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9. Pernille Harder — 33 years, 297 days

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Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder is among the oldest nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or.

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The Denmark international is 33 years and 297 days old.

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10. Ann-Katrin Berger — 35 years, 334 days

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Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is another veteran recognised in the women’s categories.

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At 35 years and 334 days, Berger earned a nomination for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy after her campaign in the NWSL.

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