Countdown to the 70th Gala
France Football has officially confirmed that the final 30-player shortlist for the prestigious 2026 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on Tuesday, September 8. Following the announcement, the grand awards ceremony will take place on October 26, marking a historic milestone as London hosts the event for the very first time to celebrate the award’s 70th anniversary.
Most Ballon d’Or Nominations in History
- 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: 18 nominations
- 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi: 16 nominations
- 🇮🇹 Paolo Maldini: 13 nominations
- 🇳🇱 Johan Cruyff: 12 nominations
- 🇫🇷 Karim Benzema: 12 nominations
Criteria for the 2026 Crown
The nominees across the men’s, women’s, and supporting categories are evaluated based on individual performances, decisive contributions, collective trophies won during the season, and overall class and fair play. An international panel of specialized journalists will cast the final votes to crown the successors
