Messi returns to Ballon d’Or, no place for Ronaldo

French magazine ‘France Football’ has published the 30-member shortlist for one of the most prestigious individual awards in the football world ‘Ballon d’Or 2026’. The winner’s name will be announced through a grand ceremony in London on October 26. Just as big stars of world football have found a place in this year’s list, the absence of several stars has also created a surprise.

Stars like Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane are on the list. Messi, who last won the Ballon d’Or in 2023, has received a nomination again after two years. Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal is also on the list. Besides, Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz, who shone for PSG, have also made a place.

However, the biggest surprise of this year’s list is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah. Portuguese star Ronaldo of Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr is not on the list of 30 this time. Similarly, Egyptian star Salah has also not found a place.

However, two players from the Saudi Pro League have received nominations. They are Al-Nassr’s Senegalese forward Sadio Mane and Al-Qadsiah’s Mexican forward Julian Quinones. On the other hand, stars like Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha and Spanish midfielder Pedri have also not found a place in the list this time.

The Ballon d’Or award ceremony will be held in London for the first time on October 26. Along with the Ballon d’Or, the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper of the year, the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, and awards for the best coach and best club will also be given at this ceremony.

The 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or are Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsi, Ousmane Dembele, Marc Cucurella, Luis Diaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Achraf Hakimi, Khicha Kavareskaia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mane, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, Joao Neves, Michael Olise, William Pacho, Julian Quinones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinicius Junior and Vitinha.