2026 Ballon d’Or: Organisers set to unveil 30-man nominees’ shortlist

The organisers of the Ballon d’Or award, France Football, are set to unveil the nominees for the 2026 edition on Tuesday, September 8.

A 30-man shortlist for the men’s award and a 30-player shortlist for the women’s award are expected to be announced as part of the nominations.

There will be nominees across 12 different award categories, with players, coaches and clubs all featuring in the various lists.

Among the names expected to make the men’s shortlist are Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are also expected to be included among the leading contenders.

The nominated players, coaches and clubs will be confirmed ahead of the main Ballon d’Or ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.

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PSG forward Ousmane Dembele is the current holder of the men’s award after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or ahead of Yamal, and he will now look to defend his title against another strong group of contenders.