Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi returns as 14 new names reshape shortlist

The Ballon d’Or shortlist has undergone a major change for 2026, with 14 new players added and only 16 of last year’s nominees retaining their places.

France Football, in partnership with UEFA, announced the 30-player list on Tuesday. The winner will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 26 October, the first time the event has been held in the English capital.

The changes mean almost 47% of the shortlist is made up of new names, reflecting the impact of the past year’s football, particularly the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi is the most prominent returnee. The Argentina captain and record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been nominated again after leading his country to the World Cup final and challenging strongly for the tournament’s top-scorer award.

Rodri, who won the prize in 2024, is also back among the contenders after missing last year’s shortlist. His absence followed a season disrupted by injuries, but he returned to prominence after a strong campaign with Manchester City, while also helping Spain win the World Cup and being named the tournament’s best player.

Mexico and Al-Qadsiah striker Julian Quinones has been nominated for the first time in his career, having used his performances at the World Cup to make an impression.

The 14 new nominees are:

– Pau Cubarsi – Marc Cucurella – Luis Diaz – Bruno Fernandes – Gabriel – Sadio Mane – Marquinhos – Lionel Messi – William Pacho – Julian Quinones – Rodri – William Saliba – Ferran Torres – Dayot Upamecano

Several high-profile players who appeared on the 2025 shortlist have been left out this year.

Mohamed Salah, who finished fourth last year, is absent after a significant decline in form during the previous season. The Egyptian is described as a former Liverpool player and current Trabzonspor player.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has also missed out despite helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup and contributing to Barcelona’s La Liga triumph.

His Barcelona team-mate Raphinha is another notable omission. He was affected by injury during the past season and Brazil failed to achieve a major result at the World Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue has not been included either, despite winning the UEFA Champions League with the club last season.

The 14 players dropped from the 2026 shortlist are:

– Gianluigi Donnarumma – Desire Doue – Denzel Dumfries – Serhou Guirassy – Viktor Gyokeres – Robert Lewandowski – Alexis Mac Allister – Scott McTominay – Cole Palmer – Pedri – Raphinha – Mohamed Salah – Virgil van Dijk – Florian Wirtz

Sixteen players have maintained their places from the 2025 shortlist, keeping their hopes alive of winning football’s most prestigious individual award.

Ousmane Dembele leads that group after claiming last year’s prize and helping Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League for a second successive season.

Achraf Hakimi has also retained his place and is now the only Arab representative on the list following Salah’s omission.

Real Madrid forward and France captain Kylian Mbappe remains nominated, as do his club team-mate Jude Bellingham and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has been shortlisted again and has also received a nomination for the world’s best young player award.

The full 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist is:

– Jude Bellingham – Ousmane Dembele – Erling Haaland – Achraf Hakimi – Harry Kane – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Lamine Yamal – Lautaro Martinez – Kylian Mbappe – Nuno Mendes – Joao Neves – Michael Olise – Declan Rice – Fabian Ruiz – Vinicius Junior – Vitinha