Messi, Yamal In Race As 30 Players Eye 2026 Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are among 30 players shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, setting up another star-studded race for football’s biggest individual prize.

France Football announced the nominees on Tuesday, with eight-time winner Messi returning to the shortlist alongside a new generation led by Yamal.

Messi, 39, earned his 17th career nomination after a productive campaign with Inter Miami and Argentina. He contributed to 75 goals in 49 appearances and helped Argentina reach the World Cup final.

The Argentine remains the record holder with eight Ballon d’Or victories. He won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

Yamal, meanwhile, continues his rapid rise among football’s elite. The Barcelona forward made the shortlist after another impressive season for club and country.

The 19-year-old was part of Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign and also helped Barcelona secure the Spanish league title. His attacking numbers further strengthened his claim for the award.

The shortlist also features several leading contenders, including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Rodri and Ousmane Dembélé.

Kane enters the race after a remarkable season with Bayern Munich and England. He scored 73 goals in 65 matches and helped Bayern complete a domestic treble.

Haaland also enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 58 goals in 64 games for Manchester City and Norway.

Dembélé, the 2025 winner, returns to defend his crown, while Mbappé remains another major contender after a standout campaign with France and Real Madrid.

Notably, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the 30-man shortlist despite winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. ([Reuters][1])

The 2026 Ballon d’Or will cover performances from the 2025-26 season, including the 2026 World Cup.

The award ceremony will take place in London on October 26, marking the first time the event has been staged in the British capital. The ceremony will also celebrate the award’s 70th anniversary and honour its inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews.

The 30 nominees are Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, João Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinícius Jr. and Vitinha.