Mbappé, Yamal, Messi… The Big Names on the 2026 Ballon d'Or List

France Football has unveiled the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ahead of the ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London. The list features stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland, along with a notable return for Argentina's Lionel Messi, nominated for the first time since 2023.

OUR 2026 MEN'S BALLON D'OR NOMINEES! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/GQFsH5u5lO

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026

The full list of 30 nominees

1. Jude Bellingham
2. Pau Cubarsí
3. Marc Cucurella
4. Ousmane Dembélé
5. Luis Díaz
6. Bruno Fernandes
7. Gabriel Magalhães
8. Erling Haaland
9. Achraf Hakimi
10. Harry Kane
11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
12. Lamine Yamal
13. Sadio Mané
14. Marquinhos
15. Lautaro Martínez
16. Kylian Mbappé
17. Nuno Mendes
18. Lionel Messi
19. João Neves
20. Michael Olise
21. Willian Pacho
22. Julián Quiñones
23. Declan Rice
24. Rodri
25. Fabián Ruiz
26. William Saliba
27. Ferran Torres
28. Dayot Upamecano
29. Vinícius Júnior
30. Vitinha

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or ⬇️

Lionel Messi@InterMiamiCF@Argentina#ballondor pic.twitter.com/CxxIMyGlIQ

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026

Moroccan pride and Parisian dominance

Achraf Hakimi's inclusion on the list is a source of pride for Moroccan and Arab fans, capping a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain, the club that dominates the nominations with 10 players — the most of any side. Cristiano Ronaldo, by contrast, misses out entirely, while defending champion Ousmane Dembélé looks to retain his trophy.

Key facts

• France Football unveils the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
• The ceremony takes place on October 26 in London.
• Achraf Hakimi represents Morocco and the Arab world on the list.
• PSG lead the way with 10 nominees.
• Messi returns to the shortlist for the first time since 2023, while Cristiano Ronaldo is notably absent.