Yamal, Messi headline Ballon d'Or nominations

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi are among the biggest names in the 2026 Ballon d'Or nominations announced by France Football on Tuesday.

Yamal, the reigning Kopa Trophy winner, is also among the 10 nominees for the best young player award as he bids to retain the prize.

Messi, meanwhile, has been shortlisted for the men's Ballon d'Or for a chance to claim a record-extending ninth title.

The 30-man Ballon d'Or list also includes PSG's Ousmane Dembele, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, along with Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi and Manchester City youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi are among the other Kopa Trophy nominees.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October.