Ballon d'Or 2026:Messi,Mbappe,Yamal,Haaland make make 30 man shortlist,

The 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been released, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal among the leading names in contention for the prestigious individual award.

The shortlist brings together some of the biggest stars in world football, alongside a number of players who have emerged as key performers for their clubs during the season.

Paris Saint-Germain have a strong representation on the list, with Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha all nominated.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are represented by Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, while Barcelona have Yamal and Pau Cubarsí among the nominees.

Premier League clubs also feature prominently. Manchester City forward Haaland, Arsenal duo Declan Rice and William Saliba, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Magalhães are all in contention.

Full list of nominees Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid Pau Cubarsí — Barcelona Marc Cucurella — Chelsea / Real Madrid Ousmane Dembélé — Paris Saint-Germain Luis Díaz — Bayern Munich Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United Gabriel Magalhães — Arsenal Erling Haaland — Manchester City Achraf Hakimi — Paris Saint-Germain Harry Kane — Bayern Munich Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — Paris Saint-Germain Lamine Yamal — Barcelona Sadio Mané — Al-Nassr Marquinhos — Paris Saint-Germain Lautaro Martínez — Inter Milan Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid Nuno Mendes — Paris Saint-Germain Lionel Messi — Inter Miami João Neves — Paris Saint-Germain Michael Olise — Bayern Munich Willian Pacho — Paris Saint-Germain Julián Quiñones — Al-Qadsiah Declan Rice — Arsenal Rodri — Manchester City / Barcelona Fabián Ruiz — Paris Saint-Germain William Saliba — Arsenal Ferran Torres — Barcelona / Paris Saint-Germain Dayot Upamecano — Bayern Munich Vinícius Júnior — Real Madrid Vitinha — Paris Saint-Germain

The inclusion of Messi, who continues his career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, adds further star power to the shortlist, while Yamal's nomination underlines the teenager's rapid rise to the top of world football.

There is also a notable absence from the list, with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo missing from the 30-man shortlist.

The final winner is expected to be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, 2026.

With several established stars and emerging talents competing for the award, the 2026 Ballon d’Or is expected to generate intense debate among football fans as voting concludes.