The list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has been released and, like every year, it leaves several big names behind. If the main favorites will be present to try to succeed Ousmane Dembélé, like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane or a Spanish world champion, some absentees are more interesting than others. This is particularly the case of several players who had nevertheless appeared very high in the ranking in 2025, but also of important elements of clubs which shone during the past season.
PSG is particularly concerned. Despite a strong Parisian representation among the nominees, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola were left out. A real surprise for Doué, who finished 14th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or and was decisive in the 2025-26 C1 campaign. Barcola, now at Liverpool, also faces particularly strong competition despite his 13 goals and 7 assists last season and a 2026 World Cup where he nevertheless won points. Also absent: Rayan Cherki, who exploded with Manchester City last year.
The forgotten Catalans Pedri and Olmo
The absence of a guard is also noted. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Matvey Safonov are also among those absent, as is David Raya, who was heroic with Arsenal. FC Barcelona will notably have to do without Raphinha, Pedri and Dani Olmo, three major players in its squad. The absence of Pedri is particularly notable after his 11th place in the previous edition, while Raphinha finished 5th in 2025. Julián Alvarez is also missing, as is Brahim Diaz, best player of CAN 2025. Another absence to note: Alessandro Bastoni. Despite a Serie A – Italian Cup double, the Inter Milan defender was released by Bodö-Glimt in C1 and did not participate in the World Cup with Italy.
In England and besides David Raya, Bukayo Saka was not selected despite his status at Arsenal. Just like Enzo Fernandez, who notably qualified Argentina twice and had a good individual season with Chelsea. Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo is once again absent from the list. At 41 years old and despite a Saudi Pro League title, the Portuguese, five times winner, is not in the ranking. Between Doué, Barcola, Raya and even Pedri, the forgotten ones almost alone constitute a team capable of competing with the 30 lucky ones. Enough to fuel the debates until the award of a 2026 Ballon d’Or which is still very much debated…
