Ballon d’Or organizers release the list of 30 nominees for 2026

Organizers have confirmed the 30 contenders for the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or. The short-list features a notable absence of goalkeepers, with the world's top shot-stoppers instead relegated to contention for the Yashin Trophy. Paris Saint-Germain occupies one-third of the total nomination spots, while Kylian Mbappé secures his ninth consecutive inclusion on the list. Lionel Messi returns to the ballot after a two-year absence, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on a nomination for four straight years. Julián Quiñones stands as the sole representative from the Saudi Pro League and the Middle East. Additionally, the selection process highlights a trend in tactical coaching, with Spanish managers accounting for six of the ten nominees across the men's and women's categories.

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