Messi named among Ballon d'Or nominees as Ronaldo misses out

08 September 2026 20:36

Lionel Messi has been included among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Raphinha were left off the 30-player shortlist announced by France Football in partnership with UEFA.

The awards ceremony will be held in London on October 26, marking the first time in the competition's seven-decade history that the event has been staged in the British capital, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The men's shortlist includes a strong contingent from the Premier League, with England internationals Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Declan Rice among the nominees.

Paris Saint-Germain have the largest representation, with nine players making the 30-man shortlist. Alongside Dembélé, the French club's nominees are Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha.

PSG's strong showing comes after a highly successful campaign, with the club also nominated for the best men's team award alongside Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt and Flamengo.

Several notable players were left out of the Ballon d'Or race. Raphinha, despite an impressive season with Barcelona, did not make the shortlist, while teammates Pedri and Dani Olmo were also overlooked.

Ronaldo's omission is another major talking point, particularly given Messi's inclusion. The Argentine, who is 39, has been nominated while playing for Inter Miami outside Europe's top competitions.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was also absent from the nominees for the best men's coach award despite the Spanish club's achievements domestically and in Europe.

The women's Ballon d'Or shortlist produced another major surprise, with three-time defending winner Aitana Bonmatí failing to make the 30-player list.

The nominees for the best men's coach award include Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique and Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany.

Arsenal also received a nomination for best men's team, adding to the club's presence across several award categories.

The Lev Yashin Trophy shortlist for the best goalkeeper includes Arsenal's David Raya and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martínez. They will compete against Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois, Joan García, Gregor Kobel, Édouard Mendy, Matvey Safonov, Unai Simón and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

The Kopa Trophy shortlist for the best young player features Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, PSG's Warren Zaïre-Emery, Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Hertha Berlin's Ibrahim Maza among the 10 nominees.

Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees: