Ballon d’Or 2026: Full 30-Man & 30-Woman Shortlists Revealed as Football’s Biggest Stars Battle for the Prestigious Golden Ball!
As the 70th edition of the historic awards ceremony approaches, the spotlight shifts to the incredible talent that defined the 2025/2026 season. From domestic league triumphs to international World Cup glories, this year's list is a celebration of footballing excellence—with a few massive surprises thrown in.
Below is the comprehensive, official breakdown of every player nominated across the major categories, complete with their club representations and standout achievements from the season.
Men's Ballon d'Or: The 30-Man Shortlist
Headlined by odds-on favorite Harry Kane, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, the men's list is packed with global superstars representing top leagues around the world.
- Jude Bellingham
- Pau Cubarsi
- Marc Cucurella
- Ousmane Dembele
- Luis Diaz
- Bruno Fernandes
- Gabriel
- Erling Haaland
- Achraf Hakimi
- Harry Kane
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Lamine Yamal
- Sadio Mane
- Marquinhos
- Lautaro Martinez
- Kylian Mbappe
- Nuno Mendes
- Lionel Messi
- Joao Neves
- Michael Olise
- Willian Pacho
- Julian Quinones
- Declan Rice
- Rodri
- Fabian Ruiz
- William Saliba
- Ferran Torres
- Dayot Upamecano
- Vinicius Junior
- Vitinha
Ballon d'Or Feminin: The 30-Woman Shortlist
With three-time reigning holder Aitana Bonmati missing out due to an injury-hit campaign, the door is open for a new (or returning) winner. London City Lionesses captain Alexia Putellas, Arsenal's Alessia Russo, and Manchester City's Bunny Shaw lead a highly competitive field.
- Selma Bacha
- Barbra Banda
- Klara Buhl
- Esmee Brugts
- Mariona Caldentey
- Scarlett Camberos
- Kerstin Casparij
- Temwa Chawinga
- Cata Coll
- Melchie Dumornay
- Caroline Graham Hansen
- Alex Greenwood
- Patri Guijarro
- Pernille Harder
- Yui Hasegawa
- Rose Lavelle
- Mapi Leon
- Lorena
- Melvine Malard
- Manaka Matsukubo
- Vivianne Miedema
- Ewa Pajor
- Claudia Pina
- Alexia Putellas
- Wendie Renard
- Alessia Russo
- Bunny Shaw
- Momoko Tanikawa
- Caroline Weir
- Tessa Wullaert
Coaches, Clubs & Young Talent
Women's Nominees: Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Club Monterrey, OL Lyonnes, and Bayern Munich.
Women's Nominees: Vicky Lopez (FC Barcelona), Clara Serrajordi (FC Barcelona), Veerle Buurman (Chelsea).
The Stage is Set for London!
With the official lists now fully revealed, the countdown to October 26 begins. Whether it's Harry Kane looking to become the first Englishman to win since 2001, Kylian Mbappe hoping to secure his first golden ball, or the fierce competition in the Ballon d'Or Feminin, this year's ceremony promises to be a spectacular celebration of the beautiful game.
The players have done the work on the pitch; now, the voting jury must make their final decisions.
Review the official 30-man and 30-woman lists above and let us know who you believe deserves the ultimate crown in world football!
© Leaders Mandate | Global Football Desk
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