Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees list: Updated shortlist of players announced as soccer award contenders

France Football will unveil the Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees on Tuesday, September 8, with the announcement scheduled between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. CET (5 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET). The process will start with a 30-player shortlist from which the eventual winner will be chosen. The article also frames major contenders for the men’s award: Rodri, the 2024 winner, following a World Cup title run, and names like Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Michael Olise. Lionel Messi is expected to be included despite ending the final without lifting a record-extending ninth trophy. The ceremony will be Monday, October 26, in London.