Sport
Exclusions of Raphinha, Bonmatí, and Flick Headline 2026 Ballon d'Or Nominations
Goal · 3 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on Goal
AI SUMMARY
The official nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or have been announced, with several high-profile exclusions including three-time women's winner Aitana Bonmatí, Raphinha, and Hansi Flick.
- France Football and UEFA announced the official nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards, with the ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London.
- Major omissions in the men's player category include Barcelona's Raphinha, Pedri, and Dani Olmo, along with Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Three-time consecutive winner Aitana Bonmatí of Spain was unexpectedly excluded from the 30-player shortlist for the women's Ballon d'Or.
- Despite a successful season, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was left off the shortlist for the world's best men's coach, which is dominated by Spanish managers.
- The 30-player men's Ballon d'Or shortlist includes global stars such as Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lionel Messi.
- Nominees for the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper) and Kopa Trophy (best young player) were also revealed, featuring prominent figures like Emiliano Martínez and Lamine Yamal.
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