CORNERFLICK
Today, September 8, the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and the other major annual awards in world football will gradually be unveiled, officially starting the countdown to this autumn’s battle for the game’s most prestigious individual prize.
This year marks the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or and, for the first time in its history, the awards ceremony will be held in London. The winners will be crowned in the English capital on October 26, with the choice of London serving as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, who became the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner in 1956.
Before attention turns to that decisive night, however, today is all about the nominees. The shortlists will reveal the leading contenders for football’s biggest individual and club honours.
Thirty players will be nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, with another 30 making the women’s shortlist. Nominees will also be announced for the awards recognising the best young talent, goalkeeper, coach, striker and club across both the men’s and women’s game.
Ballon d’Or shaped by a historic World Cup
There is one major difference between this edition and recent years: the 2026 World Cup falls within the Ballon d’Or assessment period, meaning performances at the tournament could have a major influence on the final outcome. Under the official criteria, players are judged on their performances between August 3, 2025 and July 19, 2026, with major international competitions — including the World Cup — taken into account.
That timing has made this year’s race particularly intriguing. Some stars enjoyed outstanding club seasons but either missed the World Cup or failed to make the same impact on the international stage, while others enhanced their credentials with spectacular performances at the tournament.
One thing, then, is clear: the World Cup will have a major say in this year’s Ballon d’Or race.
Ousmane Dembélé won the men’s Ballon d’Or last year, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s award. The question now is which players will emerge as the leading candidates to succeed them — and who will ultimately take centre stage in London.
Yamal, Mbappé, Rodri and Harry Kane: A race hotter than ever
Even before the official shortlist is announced, several names have dominated the Ballon d’Or debate. Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Rodri are among those generating the most attention, although nothing can be taken for granted until the final list of nominees is officially revealed.
Mbappé finished as the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup with 10 goals, taking his career tally at the tournament to 22. The French superstar himself has suggested those numbers should provide a strong enough case for him to win the Ballon d’Or.
And this is only the beginning. From this point on, every inclusion, every omission and every surprise could become part of the story of the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Stay tuned as the nominees are revealed.
Who is in the running for Club of the Year?
In the men’s category, Arsenal are among the leading contenders after ending their long wait to win what is widely regarded as the toughest domestic league in world football.
Paris Saint-Germain will also be among the favourites after winning the Champions League for the second consecutive season. Bayern Munich enjoyed a superb campaign inspired by the outstanding Harry Kane, while Arctic Circle surprise package Bodø/Glimt earned their place after a remarkable Champions League run. Flamengo, meanwhile, fly the flag for South American football.
In the women’s game, it is almost impossible to imagine a list of Europe’s elite clubs without Barcelona. The Catalan giants are joined by Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Lyon — one of the most decorated and established forces in European women’s football — while Mexico’s Club América complete the shortlist.
Women’s Club of the Year nominees Barcelona Bayern Munich Club América Manchester City Olympique Lyonnais Men’s Club of the Year nominees Arsenal Bayern Munich Bodø/Glimt Flamengo Paris Saint-Germain