The soccer community is turning its attention to the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards, with the official longlist of 30 men and 30 women released on Tuesday. The annual honor, presented in London on October 26, recognizes the player judged to be the best in the world over the past season.
Men’s Category: Established Stars and Rising Talent
Among the men’s nominees, England striker Harry Kane and French forward Kylian Mbappé are front‑runners. Kane, who netted 73 goals for Bayern Munich last season, missed out on both the Champions League and the World Cup—trophies that often sway voters. Mbappé, a Real Madrid superstar, is praised for his exceptional skill and is widely regarded as the most talented player on the list.
Joining the seasoned veterans is 19‑year‑old Spanish phenom Lamine Yamal. Yamal helped Spain capture the World Cup this summer, adding a remarkable achievement to his résumé despite not being at his most electrifying during the tournament. His inclusion underscores the growing impact of young talent on the global stage.
Eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi also appears on the longlist, primarily due to his standout performances in the World Cup. While his chances of adding another trophy are slim, his presence reflects his enduring excellence.
Women’s Category: Barcelona Dominance
On the women’s side, Barcelona forward Alexia Putellas stands out after a season that saw the club win a historic quadruple before her move to the London City Lionesses. Her teammate Ewa Pajor is another strong contender, representing one of eight Barcelona players nominated.
Three‑time defending champion Aitana Bonmatí missed the list after a broken leg sidelined her for much of the season, highlighting the impact injuries can have on award considerations.
Voting Process and Anticipated Debate
A panel of world‑leading soccer journalists will cast votes to determine the winners. The award’s subjective nature often sparks debate, but its growing prestige makes it a coveted accolade for players and clubs alike.
As the ceremony approaches, fans and analysts will closely watch the voting trends and speculate on how recent performances, trophies, and individual statistics will influence the final outcome.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
