Lionel Messi Back In Ballon d'Or Race, Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Out Again As 2026 Shortlist Revealed; Check Nominees

Lionel Messi has re-entered the Ballon d'Or race while Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent for the 2026 men's award, as the 30 nominees for the prestigious honor were revealed on Tuesday. The Argentine joins a star-studded list alongside Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and defending champion Ousmane Dembele.

Messi last made the shortlist in 2023, when he won the award for his record eighth time, but had missed out in 2024 and 2025. Messi's return follows a stellar year with Inter Miami and Argentina, where he contributed with 75 goals in 49 matches and helped Argentina reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. This inclusion means he could potentially win a ninth Ballon d'Or.

However, Ronaldo, a five-time winner, did not make the cut once again, leaving him out since 2022. The 2026 shortlist also includes several players expected to compete fiercely for the prize, such as Dembele, who aims to retain his title, and Mbappe, Yamal, Haaland, and Kane, who are among the leading contenders. Paris Saint-Germain have the highest number of nominees with 10, while Kylian Mbappé is setting his sights on the Ballon d'Or after his record-breaking World Cup glory, while maintaining his focus on Real Madrid's trophies.

The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, at the London Palladium, marking the first time the event is held in the English capital.