As we continue the countdown to one of the most respected awards ceremony in the world of football, Ballon De’o 2026 Award, here are the shortlist of all 12 award categories set to be unveiled on September 8 2026.
The announcement will reveal names of the players, coaches and clubs contesting for the prestigious prizes ahead of the main ceremony set the hold in London on the 26th of October 2026.
Bellow are the 12 categories and the numbers of nominees announced by the organisers of Ballon d’Or 2026
1. Men’s Ballon d’Or – 30 players
This is the most anticipated shortlist, which will feature 30 players competing for the men’s Ballon d’Or title, which the winner out of the 30 will be crowned as the BEST MALE FOOTBALLER in the world at the October ceremony in London.
2. Women’s Ballon d’Or – 30 players
The women’s Ballon d’Or will also feature 30 nominees. This list brings together the leading female players who impressed during the past season.
3. Men’s Young Talent of the Year – 10 players
The next generation of football stars will be recognised through the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award. This list will have a total of 10 players contesting for the award.
4. Women’s Young Talent of the Year – 5 players
The award will recognise one of the most promising young female players to emerge during the season. Reduced by half, this list will have a total of 5 contestants, compare to the mens
5. Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year – 10 players
Goalkeepers will have their own category, with 10 players shortlisted for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
6. Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year – 5 players
Unlike the men having Ten(10) contestant, the women will have Five(5) goalkeepers will be nominated for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
7. Men’s Coach of the Year – 5 coaches
The achievements of managers will also be recognised, with five coaches shortlisted for the Men’s Coach of the Year award.
8. Women’s Coach of the Year – 5 coaches
The Women’s Coach of the Year category will also feature five nominees, highlighting the leading managers in the women’s game.
9. Men’s Striker of the Year – 10 players
In this category, ten(10) strikers will make the shortlist for the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while the most outstanding attacking performances from the season out of the 10 contestant will be crowned winner.
10. Women’s Striker of the Year – 5 players
Five female strikers will be shortlisted for the Women’s Striker of the Year award.
11. Men’s Club of the Year – 5 clubs
Five men’s clubs will be nominated for this category. Men’s Club of the Year award following each club’s performances during the last season. And out of the 5, one will be announced as the winner
12. Women’s Club of the Year – 5 clubs
Just as the men has theirs, the women’s game will also have its own club award, with five clubs shortlisted for the Women’s Club of the Year prize.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or categories nominees for each of the 12 categories will announced on September 8 through the official Ballon d’Or website
After the announcement the final stage of the countdown of 2026 Ballon De’O set to hold on the 26th of October in London, will kick-start.
