France Football has officially unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Awards, with football’s biggest stars set to battle for the most prestigious individual honours in the sport. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 26, 2026, in London, where winners across several categories will be crowned.
This year’s nominations feature outstanding performers from club and international football. Players were selected based on their achievements during the 2025/26 season, including performances in domestic leagues, continental competitions and international tournaments.
The awards cover the Men’s Ballon d’Or, Women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, Coach of the Year, Young Player Awards and Club of the Year.
Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
The race for the biggest prize in football includes some of the world’s finest players.
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
- João Pedro (Chelsea)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
- Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Pedri (Barcelona)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- William Saliba (Arsenal)
The list reflects another remarkable year for European football, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona contributing the highest number of nominees.
Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees
The Women’s Ballon d’Or also features several outstanding footballers who impressed throughout the season.
- Alex Greenwood
- Alexia Putellas
- Alessia Russo
- Ann-Katrin Berger
- Caroline Graham Hansen
- Cata Coll
- Claudia Pina
- Ewa Pajor
- Grace Geyoro
- Guro Reiten
- Kadidiatou Diani
- Khadija Shaw
- Lauren James
- Leah Williamson
- Linda Caicedo
- Lorena
- Lucy Bronze
- Mapi Leon
- Mariona Caldentey
- Mayra Ramirez
- Melchie Dumornay
- Naomi Girma
- Patri Guijarro
- Salma Paralluelo
- Sandy Baltimore
- Selma Bacha
- Sophia Smith
- Trinity Rodman
- Vicky Lopez
- Yui Hasegawa
Yashin Trophy Nominees (Best Goalkeeper)
The Yashin Trophy recognizes the world’s best goalkeeper.
- Bono
- David Raya
- Emiliano Martinez
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Gregor Kobel
- Joan Garcia
- Mike Maignan
- Thibaut Courtois
- Unai Simon
- Vozinha
Women’s Goalkeeper Trophy Nominees
- Ann-Katrin Berger
- Cata Coll
- Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Christiane Endler
- Daphne van Domselaar
- Hannah Hampton
- Lorena
- Mary Earps
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce
- Zecira Musovic
Kopa Trophy Nominees (Best Young Player)
The Kopa Trophy celebrates the world’s brightest young talents.
- Claudio Echeverri
- Dean Huijsen
- Désiré Doué
- Endrick
- Ethan Nwaneri
- Jorrel Hato
- Kenan Yildiz
- Lamine Yamal
- Pau Cubarsi
- Warren Zaire-Emery
Women’s Young Player Trophy Nominees
- Giulia Dragoni
- Lily Yohannes
- Linda Caicedo
- Maika Hamano
- Michelle Agyemang
- Olivia Smith
- Shekiera Martinez
- Sydney Schertenleib
- Vicky Lopez
- Wieke Kaptein
Men’s Coach of the Year Nominees
Managers who guided their teams to major success are also in contention.
- Didier Deschamps
- Luis de la Fuente
- Luis Enrique
- Mikel Arteta
- Unai Emery
Women’s Coach of the Year Nominees
- Joe Montemurro
- Jonatan Giraldez
- Pere Romeu
- Renee Slegers
- Sonia Bompastor
Men’s Club of the Year Nominees
- Arsenal
- Bayern Munich
- Bodø/Glimt
- Flamengo
- Paris Saint-Germain
Women’s Club of the Year Nominees
- Barcelona
- Bayern Munich
- Club America
- Manchester City
- Olympique Lyonnais
Fans Await the Winners
With the nominees now confirmed, football fans around the world will begin debating who deserves the biggest honours in the game. The men’s Ballon d’Or race is expected to be one of the closest in recent years, with stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior all considered strong contenders.
The winners in every category will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, 2026, bringing together the biggest names in world football for one of the sport’s most prestigious nights.