Messi Nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo Absent

The 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or were announced on Tuesday, with eight-time winner Lionel Messi included on the prestigious shortlist as he seeks a record-extending ninth title. His longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, was notably absent from the nominations for the second consecutive year. The announcement, made by organizers France Football, recognizes players for their performances during the 2025-26 European football season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has received his 17th career nomination. He was instrumental in Argentina's run to the World Cup final and also contributed significantly to Inter Miami's MLS title win. Other leading contenders for the award include Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and rising star Lamine Yamal. Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, was the top scorer in the 2026 World Cup with ten goals, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer, though he did not win a club trophy last season. Harry Kane enjoyed a prolific season with Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 goals for club and country and helping Bayern secure a treble of the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup.