Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Scores & Results

France Football releases 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist on September 8

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

France Football releases 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist on September 8

Summary

France Football is set to announce the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or on September 8. The reveal process takes place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. CET, establishing the pool of contenders for the most prestigious individual honor in soccer. Prospective candidates include Rodri, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Michael Olise, alongside the reigning winner Ousmane Dembele. Lionel Messi, a former winner, is also a potential inclusion despite a loss in the most recent World Cup final. The final award ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, marking the 70th anniversary of the inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews. The winner will be determined by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations using criteria focused on seasonal performance, team success, and player conduct.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•France Football reveals the 30-player shortlist on September 8.
•The 2026 award ceremony will take place in London on October 26.
•The selection panel includes media members from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.
•Candidates are evaluated on seasonal performance, team success, and behavior.
•The 2026 event honors inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews 70 years later.

Latest Updates

7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees list: Updated shortlist of players announced as soccer award contenders

What they're saying

"
The Ballon d'Or is considered the most prestigious individual award in soccer, and the 2026 gala is fast approaching as we will soon learn the latest player to be enshrined into global greatness.
— Yahoo Sports

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