Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe headline the men’s Ballon d’Or nominations announced Tuesday by France Football. The 30-player shortlist sets the stage for the awards ceremony in London on October 26, where winners for both men and women will be decided.
Dembele, the recipient of last year’s honor, and Mbappe represented France at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by the eventual champions, Spain, in the semifinals. Despite the lack of a major tournament title for their national side, Mbappe etched his name into history by surpassing Lionel Messi’s record for most all-time World Cup goals, reaching 22 in fewer matches. Meanwhile, Dembele secured a second consecutive Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, strengthening his case to retain the Ballon d’Or.
Kane enjoyed a standout campaign, netting 73 goals across club and international duty while leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga championship. He also guided England to a third-place finish at the World Cup. Spain’s Rodri, who won the award in 2024 and was pivotal in La Roja’s World Cup victory, and 39-year-old Messi, who guided Argentina to the final and won MLS with Inter Miami, also remain in contention. Messi holds a record eight Ballon d’Or titles. Notably, former winners Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric were omitted from this year’s list.
Paris Saint-Germain dominates the nominations with nine players selected, including Dembele, Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz. Newly acquired teammate Ferran Torres, who scored the winner in the World Cup final, brings that total to 10 potential candidates. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, along with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, are also among the nominees.
Despite the crowded field, Dembele expressed confidence that the award will stay at PSG. In an interview with France Football, he listed Kvaratskhelia, Kane, and Mbappe among his personal favorites but did not nominate himself. “I don’t think the trophy is undecided. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” Dembele stated.
The absence of nominees from Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany highlighted the tournament’s impact on voting. Italy failed to qualify, while Germany and the Netherlands had no representatives. Only one Serie A player, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, made the cut. Additionally, no goalkeepers were nominated, meaning Lev Yashin will remain the only keeper to win the award since 1963.
In the women’s category, past winners Alexia Putellas and Ewa Pajor are among the frontrunners. However, three-time consecutive winner Aitana Bonmati missed the shortlist after missing much of the season due to injury, despite returning for Barcelona’s quadruple-winning campaign. The 30-woman shortlist is also set to be revealed.
This year’s ceremony marks a departure from tradition, moving to London to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first Ballon d’Or, awarded to English legend Stanley Matthews. The voting period spans from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, covering the World Cup final. Judging criteria prioritize individual performance and decisive character, followed by collective achievements and titles, and finally class and fair play. Journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations vote for the men’s award, while those from the top 50 decide the women’s winner.
Aitana Bonmati missing out due to injury seems harsh for a quadruple winner. That voting criteria needs a rethink.
PSG dominating with ten players is wild. Makes me wonder if Ballon d’Or voters are tired of the usual suspects.
Wait, no goalkeepers nominated again? The Yashin rule feels outdated when keepers like Oblak are just elite.
Kane with 73 goals is absolutely absurd. Does anyone else think he finally deserves the ball?