Meet the 30 players nominated for Ballon d’Or 2026

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The full 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been revealed, with some of the biggest names in world football included among the contenders for the prestigious individual award.

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Defending champion Ousmane Dembélé is among the nominees, while seven-time winner Lionel Messi also features on the list.

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Other high-profile contenders include Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Jr., Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Achraf Hakimi.

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The shortlist also includes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal defender William Saliba, Liverpool forward Luis Díaz and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha.

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The complete 30-player shortlist is:

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• Jude Bellingham
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• Pau Cubarsí
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• Marc Cucurella
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• Ousmane Dembélé
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• Luis Díaz
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• Bruno Fernandes
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• Gabriel
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• Erling Haaland
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• Achraf Hakimi
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• Harry Kane
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• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
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• Lamine Yamal
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• Sadio Mané
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• Marquinhos
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• Lautaro Martínez
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• Kylian Mbappé
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• Nuno Mendes
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• Lionel Messi
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• João Neves
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• Michael Olise
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• Willian Pacho
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• Julián Quiñones
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• Declan Rice
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• Rodri
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• Fabián Ruiz
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• William Saliba
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• Ferran Torres
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• Dayot Upamecano
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• Vinícius Jr.
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• Vitinha
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The nominees represent some of the outstanding performers from the 2025/26 football season, with club success, individual performances and consistency among the factors considered for the award.

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The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be crowned at the awards ceremony in London on October 26.

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