2026 Ballon d’Or: First nominees officially confirmed

France Football has begun unveiling the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ahead of the ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, United Kingdom.

The first set of nominees was announced on Tuesday, September 8, with five clubs each shortlisted for the Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year awards.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé is the reigning men’s Ballon d’Or winner after claiming the award in 2025, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí holds the women’s prize.

The 2026 ceremony will mark the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or and will be staged in London for the first time as part of celebrations marking 70 years since England’s Stanley Matthews became the inaugural winner in 1956.

France Football is releasing the nominees across the different categories throughout Tuesday, with the 30-player shortlists for both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or also expected to be unveiled.

The clubs officially confirmed so far are:

Women’s Club of the Year

• Barcelona
• Bayern Munich
• Club América
• Manchester City
• OL Lyonnes

Men’s Club of the Year

• Arsenal
• Bayern Munich
• Bodø/Glimt
• Flamengo
• Paris Saint-Germain

The five nominees for the men’s club award have been confirmed by France Football/L’Équipe, with reigning champion PSG again among the contenders.

Other nominees, including those for the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy and coaching awards, are being announced as the unveiling continues.