Published: Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at 7:08 pm| Dubai | Edited: Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at 7:18 pm

Football fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony as official shortlists are revealed. Having reviewed the nominee lists across all categories, I am excited to walk you through the top contenders. Read on to discover the full list of player nominees, coaching contenders, and key event details.

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Ballon d’Or 2026 Shortlist Announced for 70th Anniversary Award Ceremony in London

I have reviewed the official shortlist announcements released for football’s highest individual honors.

The world’s most prestigious football awards ceremony will celebrate its historic 70th anniversary this year in London.

Men’s Ballon d’Or Shortlist

The 30 elite male football stars nominated for individual glory.

Here is the complete list of 30 top nominees competing for football’s most coveted individual award.

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England)
• Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona and Spain)
• Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid & Spain)
• Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint Germain & France)
• Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich & Colombia)
• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)
• Gabriel (Arsenal & Brazil)
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
• Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint Germain & Morocco)
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint Germain & Georgia)
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
• Sadio Mane (Al Nassr & Senegal)
• Marquinhos (Paris Saint Germain & Brazil)
• Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan & Argentina)
• Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid & France)
• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint Germain & Portugal)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami & Argentina)
• Joao Neves (Paris Saint Germain & Portugal)
• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)

Women’s Ballon d’Or Shortlist

The 30 standout female players nominated for world player of the year.

These exceptional female athletes delivered dominant performances across domestic leagues and international tournaments over the past season.

• Selma Bacha: OL Lyonnes & France
• Barbra Banda: Orlando Pride & Zambia
• Esmee Brugts: Barcelona & Netherlands
• Klara Buhl: Bayern Munich & Germany
• Mariona Caldentey: Arsenal & Spain
• Scarlett Camberos: Club America & Mexico
• Kerstin Casparij: Manchester City & Netherlands
• Temwa Chawinga: Kansas City Current & Malawi
• Cata Coll: Barcelona & Spain
• Melchie Dumornay: OL Lyonnes & Haiti
• Alex Greenwood: Manchester City & England
• Patri Guijarro: Barcelona & Spain
• Caroline Graham Hansen: Barcelona & Norway
• Pernille Harder: Bayern Munich & Denmark
• Yui Hasegawa: Manchester City & Japan
• Rose Lavelle: Gotham FC & USA
• Mapi Leon: London City Lionesses & Spain
• Lorena: Kansas City Current & Brazil
• Melvine Malard: Chelsea & France
• Manaka Matsukubo: Chelsea & Japan
• Vivianne Miedema: Manchester City & Netherlands
• Ewa Pajor: Barcelona & Poland
• Claudia Pina: Barcelona & Spain
• Alexia Putellas: London City Lionesses & Spain
• Wendie Renard: OL Lyonnes & France
• Alessia Russo: Arsenal & England
• Khadija Shaw: Manchester City & Jamaica
• Momoko Tanikawa: Bayern Munich & Japan
• Caroline Weir: OL Lyonnes & Scotland
• Tessa Wullaert: Como & Belgium

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Men’s Young Talent of the Year

The top ten under 21 male players nominated for rising star honors.

These talented young stars proved themselves as the future leaders of global football this past season.

• Kerim Alajbegovic: Juventus & Bosnia
• Ayyoub Bouaddi: Manchester City & Morocco
• Pau Cubarsi: Barcelona & Spain
• Yan Diomande: Real Madrid & Ivory Coast
• Lennart Karl: Bayern Munich & Germany
• Eli Junior Kroupi: Bournemouth & France
• Lamine Yamal: Barcelona & Spain
• Johan Manzambi: Aston Villa & Switzerland
• Ibrahim Maza: Bayer Leverkusen & Algeria
• Warren Zaire-Emery: Paris Saint Germain & France

Women’s Young Talent of the Year

The standout under 21 female players nominated for breakout performances.

These young prodigies delivered outstanding individual moments on the highest stages of women’s football.

• Veerle Buurman: Chelsea & Netherlands
• Vicky Lopez: Barcelona & Spain
• Felicia Schroder: Real Madrid & Sweden
• Clara Serrajordi: Barcelona & Spain
• Lily Yohannes: OL Lyonnes & USA

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

The ten outstanding shot stoppers nominated for the best goalkeeper award.

These elite goalkeepers earned their places through incredible saves, clean sheets, and match winning command between the posts.

• Yassine Bounou: Al Hilal & Morocco
• Thibaut Courtois: Real Madrid & Belgium
• Gregor Kobel: Borussia Dortmund & Switzerland
• Joan Garcia: Barcelona & Spain
• Edouard Mendy: Al Ahli & Senegal
• Emiliano Martinez: Chelsea & Argentina
• David Raya: Arsenal & Spain
• Matvey Safonov: PSG & Russia
• Unai Simon: Athletic Club & Spain
• Vozinha: Colo Colo & Cape Verde

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

The top five female goalkeepers nominated for international goalkeeping honors.

These exceptional goalies provided elite performances and steady defensive leadership for their respective teams.

• Ann-Katrin Berger: Gotham FC & Germany
• Cata Coll: Barcelona & Spain
• Hannah Hampton: Chelsea & England
• Lorena: Kansas City Current & Brazil
• Ayaka Yamashita: Manchester City & Japan

Men’s Coach of the Year

The five tactical masterminds nominated for leading their men’s teams to success.

These managers led their squads to silverware through remarkable tactical brilliance and consistent domestic and continental performances.

• Mikel Arteta: Arsenal
• Luis de la Fuente: Spain
• Unai Emery: Aston Villa
• Vincent Kompany: Bayern Munich
• Luis Enrique: Paris Saint Germain

Women’s Coach of the Year

The five head coaches nominated for outstanding management in women’s football.

These managers guided their clubs and national teams to impressive achievements throughout the past year.

• Jonatan Giraldez: OL Lyonnes
• Andree Jeglertz: Manchester City
• Nils Nielsen: Japan
• Pere Romeu: Barcelona
• Elena Sadiku: Celtic & BK Hacken

Men’s Club of the Year

The five elite men’s clubs nominated for overall team excellence.

These clubs stood out above all others through consistent domestic league dominance and international tournament victories.

• Arsenal: Premier League
• Bayern Munich: Bundesliga
• Bodo/Glimt: Eliteserien
• Flamengo: Campeonato Brasileiro
• Paris Saint Germain: Ligue 1

Women’s Club of the Year

The five top women’s clubs nominated for dominating domestic and international competitions.

These organizations set the highest standards of team excellence across women’s professional football worldwide.

• Barcelona: Liga F
• Bayern Munich: Frauen-Bundesliga
• Club America: Liga MX Femenil
• Manchester City: Women’s Super League
• OL Lyonnes: Premiere Ligue

Conclusion

Following these official shortlist announcements, football fans everywhere look forward to London hosting the grand ceremony on October 26.

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FAQs

When and where will the Ballon d’Or 2026 take place?

The ceremony takes place on October 26, 2026, in London.

Who are the Men’s Coach of the Year nominees?

Arteta, De la Fuente, Emery, Kompany, and Luis Enrique.

Which men’s clubs are nominated for Club of the Year?

Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo, and PSG.

Are youth categories included in the nominations?

Yes, top under-21 male and female players are nominated.

How are winners selected for the award?

Winners are chosen based on individual performances over the past season.