Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or in 2026 – another mouth-watering contest for one of football’s most coveted individual prizes. The France Football shortlist includes established superstars, up-and-coming players and those who had outstanding club and international seasons.
Messi’s inclusion is especially noteworthy because of his age and that he plays club football outside Europe (with Inter Miami) now. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still a major force (45 goals, 30 assists in 49 games for L’Équipe in the 2025–26 season), helped Argentina reach the World Cup final and so on.
39-year-old Messi is trying to add another Ballon d’Or to his already astonishing collection. Winning would extend that record and highlight just how long he has been playing at the highest level of sport.
Lamine Yamal Emerges as a Serious Contender
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal is another big name on the list. The Spanish forward had an excellent season and comes into the race in great form after helping Spain win the World Cup and Barcelona LaLiga. He scored 25 goals and made 20 assists in 57 matches (2025-26).
Yamal’s nomination is just another step forward in the rapid rise of a player who is widely considered one of football’s brightest young stars. He has already been able to influence major matches so early on that he’s among the elite, and Ballon d’Or nomination only underlines his stature.
OUR 2026 MEN'S BALLON D'OR NOMINEES! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/GQFsH5u5lO
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026
Mbappé, Kane and Dembélé Also in Contention
There are other leading candidates on the shortlist as well. Kylian Mbappé is among them after scoring 58 goals and providing 13 assists in 60 appearances for Real Madrid this season; he also became all-time World Cup goalscorer record holder.
Harry Kane is another big name on the list after a prolific season with Bayern Munich and England. Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé and Vinícius Júnior are also there.
Dembélé is the reigning champion and will be looking to add another trophy to his collection after a great season with PSG. PSG are particularly strong on the shortlist this year as they continue their dominance in Europe.
Ballon d'Or Ceremony Moves to London
The Ballon d’Or ceremony for 2026 will take place in London on October 26 (70th anniversary of the award). It will be held outside Paris for the first time.
The winner will be decided by an international jury of football journalists voting on the results. Messi’s extraordinary legacy, Yamal’s meteoric rise and a crowded elite field make 2026 one of the most closely watched Ballon d’Or races in years.
For football fans the big question now is whether experience will win out, whether a new generation will take over or another established superstar will get it?
