This time it’s done, the list of thirty footballers nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or election is known. This Tuesday, the mystery was therefore lifted. Some notable elements, for example the return of Lionel Messi, the presence of Willian Pacho for the first time in his career, or the unexpected presence of Julian Quinones, player and top scorer in the Saudi Pro League. Besides that, numerous absences are already causing a lot of talk.
Already snubbed in 2025, Bradley Barcola has once again been left aside by the jury. Same thing for Désiré Doué with whom he played at Paris Saint-Germain last season. In Spain, it is especially the absence of Pedri (FC Barcelona) which is causing a lot of noise. Winner of La Liga and the 2026 World Cup, his sidelining in the race for the Ballon d’Or is not understood.
Another absence of brand, that of Raphinha. Another Barça player not to have passed the obstacle. Fifth in 2025, the Brazilian was nevertheless to his advantage with his club. The Brazilian World Cup will probably have weighed heavily in the jury’s choice. World champion with Spain, goalkeeper Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao) is also outside the Top 30. His colleague from PSG, Matvey Safonov did not do better.
Ballon d’Or 2026, big names remain at the dock
Still in the Spanish team, no Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona), David Raya (Arsenal), Pedro Poro (Tottenham) or Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao). Finalist with Argentina and despite a successful personal season with Atlético de Madrid, Julian Alvarez is not in the thirty selected. His Argentine compatriot, Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), was also shunned. Among the English, Cole Palmer (Chelsea) pays for his absence from the World Cup. A little less understandable, however, is the absence of Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
If Germany missed out on the World Cup, Joshua Kimmich could have deserved to be present after Bayern Munich’s great season. Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored goals with Al-Nassr, but he was not chosen by the jury either. Ivorian supporters and those of Real Madrid will deplore that Yan Diomandé was shunned, just like the Uruguayan Federico Valverde. Finally on the side of the France team, no Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG) nor Rayan Cherki (Manchester City).
Ballon d’Or 2026, the list of main absentees
– Pedri (FC Barcelona)
– Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona)
– Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
– Bradley Barcola (Liverpool, ex-PSG)
– Désiré Doué (PSG)
– Matvey Safonov (PSG)
– Julian Alvarez (Atlético de Madrid)
– Yan Diomandé (Real Madrid, ex-RB Leipzig)
– Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
– Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
– Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
– Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
– Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
– Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
– Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
– Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
