Introduction

On September 8, the Ballon d’Or nominees were officially announced by France Football. This is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, respected around the world.

These are the players who produced outstanding performances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season.

The Favorites

Players such as Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Dembélé are being pointed out as the favorites among fans, while some channels are reporting that Lionel Messi might have a chance to win the Ballon d’Or for the 9th time in his career.

Major Surprises

Many people were stunned to see players including Raphinha and Cristiano Ronaldo not enter the list, while Mexican star Quiñones entered the list.

Personally, I view Quiñones as a great player; however, I believe he should have entered the 50-player nominee list instead of the final 30.

Clubs Dominating the List

There are a few clubs that are dominating the list, including:

Real Madrid: 4

Barcelona: 4

Paris Saint-Germain: 10

Bayern Munich: 4

Ballon d’Or Nominees

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain)
• Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid, Spain)
• Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
• Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich, Colombia)
• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal)
• Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil)
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
• Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
• Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr, Senegal)
• Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil)
• Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Argentina)
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
• João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
• Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain, Ecuador)
• Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah, Mexico)
• Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
• Rodri (Barcelona, Spain)
• Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
• William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
• Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
• Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
• Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Fan Reactions

For the first time in 15 years, Cristiano Ronaldo didn't make Ballon'dor's list.

End of an Era!!! 🐐 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BQ81pUb4QX

— SeyVibezS (@mslaggert) September 8, 2026