The nominations for the upcoming 2026 Ballon d’Or are out now as part of this year’s race for one of the most prestigious awards in all of International football. Ousmane Dembélé, who won the last edition of the award is back in contention along with a handful of some of the game’s biggest names, including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham. There are quite a few notable players representing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as well with the Ligue 1 side having 10 nominees between them, which includes Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Nuno Mendes.
Alongside those players are some of the best across Europe in people such as Bruno Fernandes, Michael Olise, Lautaro Martinez, Declan Rice, and Sadio Mane.One of the more surprising omissions for many was that of Lionel Messi who did not make the list but is actually making an appearance at this year’s ceremony due to his inclusion into the nominees list. He had skipped participation during both the last two events before now. The accolade itself will take place on the 26th of October within the city of London.
Ballon d’Or nominations: Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel Magalhães, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Kylian Mbappé, Lautaro Martínez, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, João Neves, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinícius Júnior and Vitinha.
PSG, Bayern Munich, Arsenal among five nominees for 2026 Ballon d’Or Club of the Year
France Football magazine has announced the five nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or Men’s Club Of the Year Award, which recognises outstanding achievements across both men’s club football globally over the past year. Alongside Paris Saint-Germain (France), Bayern Munich (Germany), Arsenal FC (England) and Flamengo (Brazil), the surprise candidate was Bodø/Glimt (Norway).Having claimed glory again in the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Super Cup, European Super Cup and even the Intercontinental Cup, PSG look poised to maintain their reign after yet another colossal campaign.
Bayern Munich successfully clinched all three major trophies domestically too, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup while Arsenal FC ended an agonisingly-long wait for the Premier League title before falling just short against Real Madrid in the Champions League Final. Meanwhile, Flamengo secured victories in both the Copa Libertadores, Brazilian Championship and Rio de Janeiro State Championship. Finally, Bodø/Glimt had one of the most memorable seasons to date in European competition, making the knockout stages and defeating some tough opponents. The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.
Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Flamengo, Bodo/Glimt
