Why Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Cristiano Ronaldo has missed the Ballon d’Or shortlist for a fourth straight year despite scoring 28 Saudi league goals, winning the title with Al-Nassr and scoring three World Cup goals. His omission comes as Saudi-based teammates Sadio Mané and Julián Quiñones were nominated, raising questions over how voters weighed Ronaldo’s numbers against other criteria, narratives and competition level.
France Football announced the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on September 8, 2026, featuring Lionel Messi earning his 17th career nomination. The awards ceremony will be held in London for the first time on October 26, 2026, marking the event's relocation to the English capital. Messi’s inclusion continues his remarkable consistency in top-tier football, with him just one nomination away from breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 18 awards.
The 39-year-old is aiming for his ninth Ballon d’Or title, having won it in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Messi’s impressive 2025/26 season with Inter Miami and the Argentine national team's World Cup final appearance secured his spot on the shortlist. Dominating domestic play, he scored 45 goals and provided 30 assists in 49 appearances across competitions, alongside contributing to Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory.
His recent impact is underscored by reports citing 31 goals and 16 assists in 35 matches, demonstrating his enduring influence on the game. The full list of 2026 men's nominees includes Jude Bellingham, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, and Dayot Upamecano.
Notably absent is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been a consistent nominee since 2004. The Ballon d’Or event in London promises a thrilling contest for the coveted Golden Ball, with Messi's pursuit of his ninth award and the emergence of young talents like Yamal and Cubarsí signaling a new era in football.
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- Lionel Messi Nominated for Ballon d’Or 2026 kahawatungu.com
- Russo and Greenwood nominated for Ballon d'Or bbc.co.uk
