Players Missing From 2026 Ballon d'Or Shortlist

France Football Reveals 2026 Ballon d'Or Shortlist

On Tuesday, France Football published the list of 30 contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The lineup features nine stars from Paris Saint-Germain's victorious 2025-26 season, including Ousmane Dembele, who won the award in 2025 and is chasing it again. Lionel Messi makes his 17th appearance on the ballot, though his chance to claim a ninth win lessened after Argentina fell short in the World Cup final against Spain.

Among the reigning champions, Rodri (2024 winner) and runner-up Lamine Yamal from Luis de la Fuente's world champion squad are nominated, as is Ferran Torres, who netted the winning goal in the final. Yet, several big names were left out, leaving some fans and players surprised.

Top Players Absent from the Ballon d'Or Nominees

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal and Norway): Captain of Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years and a key figure in Norway’s memorable World Cup quarterfinal run. Despite a strong start to this season, past issues with form and injuries during the winning campaign might explain his exclusion.
Desire Doue (PSG and France): The only one among Luis Enrique's ten main starters at PSG not nominated. Doue scored 13 goals and assisted eight times across all competitions, helping PSG clinch Ligue 1 and the Champions League titles and impressing at the World Cup.
Raphinha (Barcelona and Brazil): Despite injury setbacks last season, Raphinha scored 21 goals in 33 appearances, averaging nearly 0.9 goals per 90 minutes. After finishing fifth last year, many thought his omission this time was unjust.
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid and Argentina): A top forward whose summer transfer drama highlighted his value. He tallied 20 goals and nine assists but had a quieter World Cup due to injury, except for a standout goal in Argentina’s quarterfinal victory over Switzerland.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr and Portugal): Ronaldo didn’t shine at what might have been his last World Cup but still scored heavily for Al Nassr, leading them to their first Saudi Pro League title. His teammate Sadio Mane made the list, boosted by strong performances at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/Man City and Argentina): The only player ever involved in two transfers exceeding £100 million, Fernandez had his best scoring season at Chelsea and played a crucial role in Argentina’s run to the final. A red card in the final probably harmed his chances of a nomination.
Pedri (Barcelona and Spain): Widely regarded as one of football’s most technically gifted midfielders, Pedri’s omission sparked criticism in Catalonia. He lost his starting spot in Spain’s World Cup squad from the quarterfinals onward as the team shifted balance with other midfield options.