The countdown to the 2026 Ballon d’Or is underway, with the final 30 nominees for the men’s award due to be announced on Tuesday, September 8.
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London on October 26, when the next winner of football’s most prestigious individual prize will be crowned.
As attention turns to this year’s contenders, Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 18 Ballon d’Or nominations remains untouched.
Ronaldo leads the all-time list, ahead of Lionel Messi with 16 nominations. Paolo Maldini follows with 13, while Johan Cruyff and Karim Benzema have 12 each.
Ronaldo has won the award five times, while Messi holds the record with eight victories. Their numbers reflect the extraordinary consistency both players maintained at the top of world football for more than a decade.
The next generation now gets its chance to challenge that legacy, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé among the names attracting attention ahead of the shortlist announcement.
The 2026 race also comes after the FIFA World Cup, giving performances at the tournament an added weight in the debate over the eventual winner.
An international jury of football journalists will decide the award, taking into account individual performances, team achievements and trophies, as well as sporting conduct.
The first major date is September 8, when the 30 nominees will be confirmed.
From there, the field will be narrowed until one player takes the stage in London on October 26, while Ronaldo’s 18 nominations remain the benchmark for those seeking to match his remarkable Ballon d’Or longevity.