As the football world counts down the final days before the announcement, speculation grows over who will claim the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy in the men's category, with veteran stars and rising talents in contention.
According to Al Jazeera, the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 award features three former winners: eight-time winner and Argentinian icon Lionel Messi, current holder Ousmane Dembele of France, and 2024 winner and Spanish midfielder Rodri. Al Jazeera reported that candidates are judged on performances between August 3, 2025, and July 19, 2026, based on criteria set by organisers.
Background
Al Jazeera outlined the historical distribution of the men's prize created in 1956. Argentina's eight trophies have all been secured by Lionel Messi, who announced his international retirement in August after finishing as World Cup runners-up and winning the Major League Soccer title with Inter Miami. France matches that tally with eight awards across six generations, bolstered by last year's winner Dembele and several shortlisted teammates. Portugal holds seven awards through three players—Eusebio, Luis Figo, and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo—though Ronaldo has been excluded from the shortlist for a consecutive fourth year. Germany and the Netherlands both last saw winners in the 1990s through Matthias Sammer and Dutch legends respectively, with neither nation placing players on this year's shortlist. Brazil secured its first award through Ronaldo in 1997.
Why it matters
For sports enthusiasts following international football closely from Pakistan, the Ballon d'Or remains a major annual benchmark for individual excellence in the sport, highlighting the shifting eras of global football icons.