The 2026 Ballon d'Or nominees were released on Tuesday. Organizers issued the full lists on Sept. 8, 2026. The men's shortlist holds 30 players. Harry Kane appears. Kylian Mbappé is there. Jude Bellingham was selected. Declan Rice is included. Michael Olise got a spot. Luis Díaz made the cut. Dayot Upamecano features. Lionel Messi also appears.
Kane tops the nominees thanks to solid play with Bayern Munich. The women's shortlist has Alexia Putellas. Bunny Shaw got listed. Alessia Russo also made it.