Ballon d'Or 2026 Shortlist Drops September 8: Who's In the Running?

The countdown to the 70th Ballon d'Or is entering its final stretch, with the official shortlists for every category set to be revealed on September 8 at Ballondor.com, ahead of the ceremony itself on October 26 in London.

This year's race feels unusually open. Entering the World Cup, the conversation centered on Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Kylian Mbappe, but with none of the three lifting the trophy, the door has swung wide open for a surprise winner. Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal has emerged as a real contender after averaging almost a goal per game through World Cup qualifying and netting five times as Spain claimed the title in North America. Vinicius Jr, meanwhile, endured a rough 2025 by his standards, but a hot streak to start 2026 that included four goals in six Champions League knockout games has put him back in the conversation.

Notably, the award now judges an entire European season (August 1 to July 31) rather than a calendar year, meaning both club form and international performances across that window will factor heavily into the jury's decision.

With Ousmane Dembele defending his 2025 crown and a genuinely unpredictable field behind him, this could be the most competitive Ballon d'Or race in years.