
Vanguard Sports reports that the full 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been revealed. The nominees include some of the biggest names in world football, all contending for the prestigious individual award, which honours the best player of the year. The announcement draws attention to the leading candidates in the running for football's most celebrated personal honour.
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Ten Paris Saint-Germain players have been included on a 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, a historic record for a single club, according to award organizers who released the list on Tuesday. Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are among the nominees, while Cristiano Ronaldo was left out. The award is given annually to the player voted the best in the world for the year, with the shortlist determined ahead of the final voting process.
Daily Trust·September 8, 2026 at 3:41 PM
France Football, organisers of the Ballon d'Or, is set to unveil the nominees for the 2026 edition of the award on Tuesday, September 8. According to the Daily Post, fans and pundits expect 30-man and 30-woman shortlists recognising the best male and female footballers. In total, shortlists will be announced across 12 award categories, with nominated players, coaches and clubs to be confirmed during the unveiling.
Daily Post (NG)·September 8, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Punch reports that the shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees has been announced, opening the award’s 70th year honouring achievements in world football during the 2025/26 season. According to the report, the nominees were revealed on Tuesday through the award body’s X handle, with categories including Men’s and Women’s Striker awards among those listed.
Punch·September 8, 2026 at 10:42 AM
Naija News reports that the shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been announced, recognising some of the biggest names in world football for their performances. Among those nominated are Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique, and Vozinha, according to the report. The annual award, organised by France Football, honours outstanding achievements in the sport, and the unveiling of the nominees marks the start of the build-up to the 2026 ceremony.
Naija News·September 8, 2026 at 12:13 PM
African footballers have received nominations across several categories for the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards, according to Vanguard Sports. Three goalkeepers from the continent are among the contenders for the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year prize. The publication released the full list of African nominees for the prestigious football awards, which recognise the sport's top performers across multiple categories.
Vanguard Sports·September 8, 2026 at 12:32 PM
France Football has released its list of nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with eight-time winner Lionel Messi and young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal among those selected, according to a report by Punch. The publication shared the full list of players in contention for football's most prestigious individual award, which honours the best performer of the season. Fans can review the complete selection to see which players made the cut for this year's prize.
Punch·September 8, 2026 at 3:51 PM