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.

France Football has announced the nominees for the 2026 Coach of the Year awards, part of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, with five managers shortlisted in both the men's and women's categories. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique are among the leading men's nominees. According to Leadership, the prizes, named in honour of legendary Dutch coach Johan Cruyff, recognise coaches whose tactical excellence and achievements delivered outstanding success during the previous season.

France Football is expected to unveil the shortlist of nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or today, and a list of the top five favourites has emerged ahead of the announcement. According to Kalshi, England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is currently leading the race for the prestigious individual prize. The rankings highlight the leading contenders as anticipation builds around the official nominee list for this year's award.

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.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award, according to the Daily Post. The 40-year-old made the shortlist released on Tuesday following his performances for Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He will compete against Argentina's Emiliano Martínez, Senegal's Édouard Mendy and eight other goalkeepers for the prize.

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.