Age is proved to be just a number once again as the shortlists for the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards feature an extraordinary collection of veteran stars. Across the men's and women's Ballon d'Or categories and Goalkeeper of the Year Trophies, ten active players stood out for their remarkable longevity when the nominees were announced on September 8, 2026.

Vozinha and Messi Lead the Vanguard

Standing at the top of the age list is Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who leads all nominees at 40 years and 97 days old. Nominated for the men's Yashin Trophy following his sensational World Cup campaign, the shot-stopper became the first player from Cabo Verde to earn a nomination at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Right behind him is Lionel Messi at 39 years and 76 days old. The Argentine legend, who led Inter Miami in MLS and Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup, earned his 17th career nomination. In doing so, Messi became the oldest outfield player nominated for the Ballon d'Or in the 21st century and set a new record with a 20-year span between his first nomination in 2006 and his latest in 2026.

Defensive Legends and Goalkeeping Greats

Among the women's Ballon d'Or nominees, French defender Wendie Renard represents the elite guard of women's football at 36 years and 50 days old. She is joined on the high-experience list by Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger (35 years, 334 days), a nominee for the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy following her standout NWSL championship campaign, and Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder (33 years, 297 days).

The men's Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy shortlist heavily features seasoned international shot-stoppers. Morocco's Yassine Bounou (35 years, 156 days), Senegal's Édouard Mendy (34 years, 191 days), Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois (34 years, 120 days), and Chelsea's Emiliano Martínez (34 years, 6 days) all represent the gold standard of modern goalkeeping.

Rounding out the top ten is Al Nassr forward Sadio Mané (34 years, 151 days), whose stellar form in the Saudi Pro League and Africa Cup of Nations earned him his fifth career Ballon d'Or nomination.