Kylian Mbappé, Vini Jr., Jude Bellingham and Marc Cucurella are among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, awarded by France Football. The shortlist recognises players for their performances during the 2025/26 season.

Mbappé enjoyed a prolific campaign, finishing as La Liga's top scorer with 25 goals and leading the Champions League scoring charts with 15 goals before starring for France at the World Cup. He won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals at the tournament.

Vini Jr. and Bellingham also impressed on the international stage, scoring four and seven goals respectively at the World Cup. The Brazilian finished last season with 22 goals and nine assists for Real Madrid, while Bellingham recorded eight goals and two assists.

Cucurella, meanwhile, joined Real Madrid from Chelsea after playing a key role in Spain's World Cup triumph.

The other nominees are Pau Cubarsí, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel Magalhães, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, João Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano and Vitinha.

The winner will be announced at the Ballon d'Or gala in London on October 26, with the 2026 ceremony marking the award's 70th edition.

The winner will be selected by an international jury of sports journalists, with one representative from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.

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