The announcement of the nominees for the 2026 ‘Ballon d'Or’ confirmed that four footballers will be competing in two categories simultaneously.

This situation has sparked a debate: can the same player win more than one award at the same Ballon d'Or ceremony?

The answer is yes: a player can, in fact, win more than one award at the same ceremony.

The voting and the nominees for each category are entirely separate.

To be more specific: for example, a footballer could win the ‘Ballon d'Or’ and also the ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ award.

He could also win the ‘Ballon d'Or’ and the ‘Young Talent of the Year’ award.

These combinations are entirely possible.

This has never happened in the history of the award, but there is no rule preventing a player from winning more than one trophy.

Footballers nominated for more than one award at the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Lamine Yamal

  • Nominations: Men’s Ballon d'Or and Young Talent of the Year.

  • Clubs: FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

  • Titles won this season: LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup and World Cup.

Pau Cubarsí

  • Nominations: Men’s Ballon d'Or and Young Talent of the Year.
  • Teams: FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
  • Titles won this season: LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup and World Cup.

Cata Coll

  • Nominations: Women’s Ballon d'Or and Goalkeeper of the Year.
  • Teams: FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
  • Titles won this season: Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Lorena

  • Nominations: Women’s Ballon d'Or and Goalkeeper of the Year.
  • Teams: Kansas City Current and the Brazilian national team.
  • Titles won this season: 2025 Copa América.

Will any of them manage to win a double at the ceremony?

We’ll find out on 26 October in London.