The list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d'Or includes seven footballers who are nominated for the first time.

These players have made it into the world’s elite for the first time after a strong season with their respective clubs and national teams.

The list features established defenders in Europe, forwards with impressive goal-scoring records and young players who have cemented their place amongst the elite.

These are the seven players making their debut on the shortlist for the ‘Ballon d'Or’:

  • Pau Cubarsí

  • Marc Cucurella

  • Ferran Torres

  • Willian Pacho

  • Gabriel Magalhães

  • Dayot Upamecano

  • Julián Quiñones

Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona)

The emergence of the young Barça centre-back has become an indisputable reality.

With a maturity beyond his years, a clean build-up from the back and solid defensive skills, he has become a key part of FC Barcelona’s system.

Furthermore, he stood out as one of the best players in the Spanish national team that won the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid)

The left-back enjoyed the most consistent season of his career. After establishing himself in the Premier League and providing crucial tactical versatility, his physical output and intensity throughout the year catapulted him to global recognition.

He was also part of the Spanish national team that won the World Cup, and was recently signed by Real Madrid.

Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona/PSG)

As well as his fine form for FC Barcelona, ‘El Tiburón’ scored the decisive goal that secured the World Cup for the Spanish national team in the final against Argentina.

His talent in the box led Paris Saint-Germain to secure his signing ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)

The defender was one of the standout performers in PSG’s defence during their European triumph and became the first Ecuadorian to be nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award.

In Luis Enrique’s system, Pacho brought anticipation, strength in one-on-one duels and physical solidity that made him an undisputed mainstay.

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

A leader and mainstay of Arsenal’s backline. The Brazilian centre-back enjoyed an impeccable season, helping to keep one of the tightest defences in Europe.

Thanks to his defensive contributions, Mikel Arteta’s side won the Premier League and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

The French defender’s power and pace reached their peak in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Dominant in one-on-one duels and precise in building play from the back, Upamecano was key to Bayern securing the German treble.

He also put in an outstanding performance for the French national team at the World Cup, where his side reached the semi-finals.

Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah)

With outstanding goal-scoring statistics in Arab football, the forward maintained a superb level of performance that earned him a place amongst the 30 best footballers of the year.

Furthermore, he was the Mexican national team’s top scorer at the World Cup and became only the second Mexican to be nominated for the most prestigious individual award.