By Kwame Bediako
The 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been released, with several of the world’s biggest stars included in the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.
However, Barcelona forward Raphinha is among the notable omissions, while Ghanaian attacker Antoine Semenyo has also failed to make the final shortlist despite an impressive campaign.
The nominees feature a blend of established superstars, emerging talents and players who enjoyed outstanding success with their clubs and countries during the assessment period.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé is considered one of the leading contenders after helping PSG secure the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 and several other major trophies. He finished the period with 26 goals and 14 assists in 51 appearances.
England captain Harry Kane leads the shortlist for goals, having scored 73 times in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé both registered 58 goals.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal also features prominently after recording 25 goals and 20 assists while helping Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Lionel Messi has again been recognised after producing 45 goals and 30 assists for Inter Miami, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise recorded an outstanding 27 goals and 35 assists.
Other high-profile nominees include Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Lautaro Martínez, Luis Díaz, Sadio Mané, Rodri, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The final list also includes several players who enjoyed major international success with Spain, including Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Ferran Torres following their World Cup triumph.
With Raphinha and Semenyo missing from the list, attention will now turn to the leading candidates as the battle for the 2026 Ballon d’Or enters its decisive stage.
Dembélé’s trophy haul, Kane and Haaland’s remarkable scoring records, Yamal’s all-round influence and Messi’s continued individual production are expected to form a major part of the debate ahead of the final award ceremony.
