Cristiano Ronaldo was excluded in the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, while long time rival Lionel Messi made the cut.
Organisers of the award, France Football, announced the nominees today (Tuesday, September 8, 2026).
The five-time winner (last nominated in 2022) was omitted for a fourth consecutive year despite Al-Nassr winning the Saudi Pro League.
At 41, Ronaldo’s exclusion was widely anticipated and not treated as a major shock, though it drew attention alongside other absences such as Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Pedri, and Désiré Doué. His Al-Nassr teammate Sadio Mané did make the list.
As for Messi, the eight-time winner returns to the shortlist (his first nomination since 2023). He contributed strongly at club level and scored eight goals as Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time.
Other notable stars who made the cut include Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland and current holder Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, France).
Also on the shortlist are Jude Bellingham, William Saliba, Rodri, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior and Bruno Fernandes.
Also Read: Messi, Ronaldo Set To Become Teammates
The shortlist reflects performances across the club season and the 2026 World Cup.
The award (celebrating its 70th anniversary) will be presented at a ceremony in London on October 26 and voting will determine the winner in late October.
Meanwhile, the Women’s shortlist, Yashin Trophy (goalkeepers), and other awards were also announced.
2026 Ballon d’Or award full 30-man shortlist:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)
Marquinhos (PSG)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
João Neves (PSG)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Willian Pacho (PSG)
Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rodri (Barcelona)
Fabián Ruiz (PSG)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Ferran Torres (PSG)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vitinha (PSG)
By James Agberebi
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Source: Complete Sports
