Ballon d'Or 2026: 30 nominees revealed, Mbappé and Rodri among top contenders

France Football has revealed the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, just over a month before the ceremony in London on October 26. The jury, made up of 100 journalists from countries in the top 100 of the FIFA rankings as well as Luis Figo and Fabio Capello, will need to draw up a top 10 from these candidates.

Kylian Mbappé is emerging as one of the top favorites: the Frenchman has scored 44 goals with Real Madrid and was the World Cup 2026’s top scorer, describing himself as the number one contender. Facing him is Rodri, captain of Spain, crowned world champions on July 18 against Argentina (1-0, a.e.t.) and named the tournament’s best player, who represents the most serious challenge. Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise, Harry Kane — both World Cup semi-finalists with Bayern —, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, named best player in the UEFA Champions League last season, and record holder Lionel Messi round out the declared favorites.

The list reflects the season’s major performances. PSG, double winners of the Ligue des Champions, place no fewer than seven players among the nominees: Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, to which are added Fabian Ruiz and Kvaratskhelia. World champion Spain is also well represented with Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella and Ferran Torres in addition to Rodri and Yamal. For Arsenal, Premier League champions, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice are honored, the latter having guided England to third place in the World Cup with seven goals. Bruno Fernandes, named Premier League best player with Manchester United, also features in the selection.

Among the more surprising nominees, Mexican Julián Quiñones, winger for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, secured his place thanks to four goals at the 2026 World Cup. Sadio Mané represents Senegal, winners of the Africa Cup of Nations on the pitch before being stripped of the title. Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz, Colombian winger at Bayern, complete a list that nonetheless leaves out Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.