When are Ballon d'Or nominees announced? All you need to know about 2026 shortlist reveal

The winner of the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or will be selected this October, as the best player from the 2025/26 season will be identified and bestowed with the most prestigious individual award the sport of soccer has to offer.

Last year's winner, Rodri, could be in the running for another award, after he helped lead Spain to a World Cup title this past summer.

This year's edition is special, held at a different location from usual to celebrate the anniversary milestone.

The Sporting News brings you a look at when the shortlist of nominees will be released, as the best players in the world will learn if they are up for the famous trophy this time around.

When are the Ballon d'Or nominees announced?

France Football will officially announce the nominees for men's and women's 2026 Ballon d'Or on Tuesday, September 8 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. CET .

A 30-player shortlist will be revealed, from which the winner will eventually be selected.

At the gala, the votes will be tallied and the 30 players will be ranked from bottom to top, with the top-ranked player winning the award.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or will be awarded at a ceremony on Monday, October 26 .

While the ceremony is usually held in Paris, France, the gala for the 70th edition of the men's trophy will be held this time in London, England. This is to honor inaugural winner, Sir Stanley Matthews.

A panel of international journalists compiled by France Football comes up with the 30 finalists for the men's Ballon d'Or and the Yashin Award shortlist for the world's best goalkeeper.

Also, a group of 50 international women's soccer journalists picks the women's Ballon d'Or. Lastly, a panel of 32 former Ballon d'Or winners nominates the 10 Kopa Trophy finalists (under-21 players).

The reduction in the number of jurors is anticipated to bring more objectivity, with a focus on individual excellence and who is most deserving of being the overall winner of the Ballon d'Or.

Madrid's voluble protests over Rodri's win and Messi's disputed triumph in 2023 see the new system already under strain.