The 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is out, and as usual, the nominees haven't been shy about making their case -- or, in some cases, someone else's.
Kylian Mbappé has been the most vocal of the bunch. Despite not winning a trophy with Real Madrid or France last season, he points to individual numbers as his argument. "I believe I can win it this year," Mbappé told France Football. "It's one of my objectives, and a short-term one at that." He finished as top scorer in the Champions League, La Liga and the World Cup, and doesn't think that should be overlooked. "Being the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, surpassing all the greatest legends in history, in the most important tournament that sport has ever created, is breathtaking," he said, adding that the Ballon d'Or era he understands "is never given to standard players, but to exceptional players."
Yamal sees a two-horse race
Lamine Yamal, who helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup before lifting the World Cup with Spain, agrees that Mbappé is the man to beat -- alongside himself. "I honestly think that maybe there are two of us who are the best in the world," Yamal told Movistar+. "Because for me, Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. For me, it's very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it." Yamal was runner-up in last year's voting, before adding a World Cup title to his résumé.
Kane stays grounded, teammates back him
Harry Kane, who had a career-best season at Bayern Munich before starring for England at the World Cup, struck a far more measured tone. "I am extremely proud to put in the season that I did last year," he said. "The Ballon d'Or is not in my hands. I've done what I can do in terms of putting in performances. It's now down to votes, and other people, and the media, and stuff I can't control. So we'll see what happens." His Bayern teammates Michael Olise and Luis Díaz threw their support behind him in a club video. Olise called Kane simply "the best player last season," while Díaz added: "He does everything. Attacks, defends, assists. He was one of the top scorers in the whole world last season... He always wants more, refuses to settle, and he helps you as a teammate to grow." Arsenal's Declan Rice, despite helping his club win a first Premier League title in 22 years and reach the Champions League final, is also backing his countryman: "I'd love to see Harry Kane win it, so I'm wishing him all the best in that."
The Spanish contingent
Rodri, who took home the Golden Ball at this summer's World Cup, redirected attention toward Yamal when asked about his own chances. "I think that a 19-year-old who has been able to win what Lamine has won is impressive; it already speaks to his stature as a player," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I would like a Spaniard to win it, whether it's Lamine, Pau (Cubarsí), Fabián (Ruiz), or even me, whoever is nominated." Fabián Ruiz, the only nominee to have won both the Champions League and the World Cup this year, was similarly measured. "That comes down to the voters," he told France Football. "I am grateful and proud simply to be nominated."
Dembélé answers back
Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé found himself in a subtle back-and-forth with Mbappé after the Real Madrid forward referred to himself as the "chosen one." "I've always been at the back of the class working hard," Dembélé said. "I was never the chosen one, but I worked hard and last year I was rewarded after a fantastic year with Paris Saint-Germain. And this year, we'll see how it goes -- no pressure, taking it easy." He also said he was "better in the decisive moments, very clearly," after helping PSG defend their Champions League title.
PSG's crowded shortlist
With 10 of the 30 nominees coming from Paris Saint-Germain, there's no shortage of internal competition -- or diplomacy. Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored 10 Champions League goals as PSG beat Arsenal in the final, acknowledged his World Cup absence with Georgia could work against him. "Winning the Ballon d'Or without playing in the World Cup? I think it doesn't depend on me; it depends on the people who decide," he said, while noting the encouragement of figures like Michel Platini and Toni Kroos. Captain Marquinhos, meanwhile, deflected any personal ambition entirely. "I hope that it will be someone from PSG," he said. "We have very good players. I can't pick out one. It is an individual award. We won important titles."
Outsiders and elder statesmen
Sadio Mané, one of two Saudi Pro League nominees and the only one from Al Nassr, called his selection "unbelievable" and thanked voters despite plenty of competition from the league. He was also recognised for his form with Senegal, who were controversially stripped of their AFCON title over the winter. Lautaro Martínez, who helped lead Inter Milan back to Serie A glory before contributing four goals and assists in seven World Cup appearances for Argentina, doesn't fancy his own chances -- he's backing Lionel Messi instead. "Who will win the Ballon d'Or? Messi. Without doubt," he told TNT Brasil. "He is the best in the world. He is the best in the history of this sport. As long as he is on the pitch, he will have a chance."
