Announcement of finalists shakes world football
The France Football magazine released on Tuesday (8) the list of the 30 players competing for the best player in the world award in 2026. The ceremony, marking the 70th anniversary of the award, will take place in London, England, on October 26.
The change of venue to the British capital pays tribute to former striker Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d'Or winner.
Brazilian highlight
Three names from Brazil are among the nominees: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG) and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid). They seek to win the most coveted individual football trophy.
The current champion, Ousmane Dembélé, tries to repeat the feat and defend his title.
Spanish presence and other highlights
Spain, World Cup champions, lead with six players: Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.
Lionel Messi, record holder with eight trophies, also appears on the list representing Argentina and Inter Miami.
Complete list of nominees
- Bellingham (England/Real Madrid)
- Pau Cubarsí (Spain/Barcelona)
- Marc Cucurella (Spain/Chelsea-Real Madrid)
- Ousmane Dembélé (France/PSG)
- Luis Díaz (Colombia/Bayern)
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal/Manchester United)
- Gabriel Magalhães (Brazil/Arsenal)
- Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City)
- Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich)
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia/PSG)
- Marquinhos (Brazil/PSG)
- Sadio Mané (Senegal/Al-Nassr)
- Lautaro Martínez (Argentina/Inter Milan)
- Kylian Mbappé (France/Real Madrid)
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal/PSG)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami)
- Michael Olise (France/Bayern Munich)
- João Neves (Portugal/PSG)
- Willian Pacho (Ecuador/PSG)
- Julián Quiñones (Mexico/Al-Qadsiah)
- Declan Rice (England/Arsenal)
- Rodri (Spain/Manchester City-Barcelona)
- Fabián Ruiz (Spain/PSG)
- Ferran Torres (Spain/Barcelona-PSG)
- William Saliba (France/Arsenal)
- Dayot Upamecano (France/Bayern Munich)
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil/Real Madrid)
- Vitinha (Portugal/PSG)
How the election works
The Ballon d'Or is decided by a jury of 100 journalists from different countries, following the Fifa ranking. The main criteria are individual performance, collective achievements and fair play.