Organizers release 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlists and announce host city change

The Ballon d'Or award organizers released the official shortlists for the men's and women's categories on September 8, 2026. These lists identify the players in contention for the annual honors recognizing the top individual performers in global soccer. Alongside the shortlist reveal, organizers confirmed a change to the host city arrangements for the upcoming ceremony. The release marks the start of the final phase of the selection process for these prizes. No specific names of nominees were disclosed in the initial announcement summary, nor were the logistical details behind the change in the event's host location. Further updates regarding the ceremony timeline and participant details are expected to follow as the event approaches.

• 5:56 PMESPN — 2026 Ballon d'Or: Full men's, women's shortlists, host city change, more