Announced candidates for the Ballon d'Or award – list excluding the Barcelona star.

2026-09-08 20:29 © AFP

"France Football" announced a list of 30 players vying for the "Ballon d'Or" award this year.

Football fans were somewhat surprised that the list did not include Barcelona star Raphinha.

Meanwhile, several prominent players from the World Cup made the list – Mexico's leader Julian Quinones and Senegal's forward Sadio Mane.

Also absent from the nominees list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who triumphed in Saudi Arabia this year.

The list includes all the main favorites to win the "Ballon d'Or" – Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamali, Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

OUR 2026 MEN'S BALLON D'OR NOMINEES! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/GQFsH5u5lO

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026