The race to succeed Ousmane Dembélé for the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2026 is officially underway following the announcement of the 30 male nominees for world football’s highest individual honor. Organizers rolled out the complete list of contenders, setting up a global contest that features standout performers from Europe’s elite leagues alongside surprise contenders based in the Saudi Pro League.
The 2026 Nominees: Global Stars and Saudi Surprises
The 30-player shortlist reflects the shifting landscape of international club football over the 2025–2026 season. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain heavily populate the field, with PSG boasting a strong contingent that includes Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembélé himself. Meanwhile, Premier League representation remains robust, anchored by Arsenal trio Gabriel, Declan Rice, and William Saliba.
Among the most notable entries on the list are players plying their trade outside of traditional European powerhouses. Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mané and Al-Qadsiah forward Julián Quiñones earned nominations following standout campaigns. Quiñones caught the eye of international voters during the previous World Cup by netting four goals for Mexico during their run to the round of sixteen, while Mané secured the Saudi league title alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed out on a nomination.
Voting Criteria, Jury, and the London Ceremony
The Ballon d’Or winner is decided by an international jury comprising 100 specialized journalists from around the globe. Voters evaluate performances across a strict reference period that spans the entirety of the previous campaign—running from August 3, 2025, through July 19, 2026—capturing all domestic action as well as the conclusion of the World Cup cycle.
The winner of the 70th edition of the award will be revealed during a formal ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London. The event will also distribute accolades across multiple categories, highlighting top performers and coaches from the international game.
Belgium’s Historic Representation in Related Categories
While no Belgian player has appeared among the men’s Ballon d’Or nominees since Kevin De Bruyne finished fourth in 2023, the nation secured historic representation in other categories. Tessa Wullaert became the first Belgian nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or following a stellar season with Inter Milan, where she finished as Serie A’s top scorer with 14 goals in 22 matches and led the league with nine assists before moving to Como over the summer.
In the coaching ranks, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany earned a nomination for Coach of the Year after steering his club to a domestic league and cup double in Germany. Kompany faces competition from a heavily Spanish-influenced shortlist that includes Mikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, and Luis Enrique.
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