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Bruno Fernandes, nominated for his second Ballon d’Or award in 2026, is making his mark on football history as one of the greatest playmakers of his generation.

The reigning Ballon d’Or champion has been nominated again in 2026, extending on one of the most dramatic redemption arcs in footballing history. It has steered him from despair to global veneration.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or champion and 2026 nominee has fired a quartet of hat-tricks in his illustrious career. One made his name. Two were away from home. The other lit up the world stage.

From being criticised to becoming world champion and being nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. This is the story of the full-back who turned pressure into applause.

The Spaniard, who has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, reflects on the life lesson he learns every day at home, which has freed him from the fear of making mistakes on the pitch.

Labelled a world beater before a professional ball was kicked, the Real Madrid conductor has gone on to fulfil every ounce of the hype.

At World Cup 2026 the Ballon d’Or nominee deomonstrated his full international worth with a series of stand-out displays in the Americas.

From a rising star to a key player in Spain’s World Cup-winning team. Find out why the World Cup catapulted him into the running for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Before making his mark at the highest level and being nominated for the Young talent Ballon d'Or, the centre-back grew up steeped in a family tradition that began in 1905. Discover his more human side.

Learn about the 2026 nominees for the Women's Ballon d'Or

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Belgian superstar Tessa Wullaert has sealed a record-breaking transfer to Como 1907 after cementing her status as one of Europe's most prolific and fearless forwards.

Shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Wendie Renard's journey from Caribbean heartbreak to European dominance stands as a masterclass in resilience and leadership.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a spectacular domestic double and another WSL Golden Boot, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's uncompromising standards have reshaped Manchester City's identity.

Discover the story of Bayern Munich’s star player who took the football world by storm in record time and earned a place amongst the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Alessia Russo’s journey from the North Carolina Tar Heels to a 2026 Ballon d’Or nomination is a masterclass in development. Discover how the American collegiate system served as a finishing school for one of the world’s best strikers.

Shortlisted for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or, Claudia Pina's meteoric rise, lethal finishing, and supreme tactical intelligence have placed her at the pinnacle of modern football.

An analysis of the darkest period in the Catalan footballer’s career and the mental transformation that enabled her to return to the very top of world football.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after leading Manchester City to WSL and FA Cup glory, Vivianne Miedema proves that true genius cannot be silenced by setback.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or following a magical 33-goal campaign that culminated in Champions League glory in Oslo, Ewa Pajor's rise from a Polish farmyard to the pinnacle of world football is an enduring lesson in resilience.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a stellar campaign, Melvine Malard brings her infectious energy and proven winning pedigree from Manchester United to Chelsea.