Ballon d'Or 2026: Biggest Players Missing from the Shortlist

France Football has released its list of 30 players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Among the nominees, Ousmane Dembele, who won in 2025, is again in the running, representing one of nine players from Paris Saint-Germain's victorious 2025-26 season.

Lionel Messi also makes the list for the 17th time. Though Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final dims his chances for a record ninth win. From the 2024 world champions led by Luis de la Fuente, Rodri (2024 winner), 2025 runner-up Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres (who scored the winning goal in the final) are among the contenders.

Notable Absentees from the Ballon d'Or List

Several big names did not make the shortlist, surprising many fans and experts.

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal and Norway): As Arsenal's captain who led them to their first Premier League title in 22 years, and a key figure in Norway's run to the World Cup quarterfinals, Odegaard’s omission is puzzling. Despite some fitness and form issues during the season, he began this campaign impressively.
Desire Doue (PSG and France): The only regular starter from Luis Enrique's PSG squad not on the list. Scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions while helping PSG win Ligue 1 and the Champions League, his absence raises questions.
Raphinha (Barcelona and Brazil): Despite injuries last season, Raphinha managed 21 goals in 33 appearances with an average of 0.87 goals per 90 minutes. Some considered it unfair that he only finished fifth in 2025. His total exclusion seems unreasonable.
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid and Argentina): A summer transfer saga highlighted Alvarez’s prominence. He scored 20 goals and made nine assists across competitions. Although injured before the World Cup, he still scored a stunning goal in Argentina's quarterfinal win over Switzerland.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr and Portugal): Ronaldo’s final World Cup wasn’t remarkable, yet he scored many club goals and helped Al Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title. His teammate Sadio Mane made the list thanks to strong performances for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/Man City and Argentina): Fernandez made history as the first player involved in two transfers over £100m, moving from Chelsea to Manchester City. He enjoyed his best scoring season at Stamford Bridge and was pivotal in Argentina reaching the World Cup final, scoring critical goals against Egypt and England. His red card in the final may have hurt his chances.
Pedri (Barcelona and Spain): The Catalan media expressed dismay over Pedri's exclusion. Known for his technical skill, Pedri lost his starting place with Spain after the World Cup quarterfinals. Spain’s coach preferred a midfield pairing with Fabian Ruiz and Rodri for better balance.