Ballon d'Or 2026: Full breakdown of nominee categories and shortlist numbers

The countdown to the 2026 Ballon d’Or is officially underway, with the nominees set to be announced on September 8.

The prestigious ceremony will take place on October 26 in London, where the world’s best players, coaches and clubs will be honoured.

The men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or winners will headline the ceremony, alongside awards for young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs.

Ahead of the September 8 shortlist announcement, here's a full breakdown of every Ballon d'Or 2026 category and exactly how many nominees will make each list.

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The headline award of the night, open to the world's best male footballers of the season. Thirty players will make the shortlist before the jury narrows it down to one winner on October 26.

The women's equivalent of the top prize, also featuring a 30-player shortlist, recognising the standout female performer across the past season.

Reserved for the brightest emerging stars in men's football, with 10 players competing for the honour.

A smaller five-player shortlist highlighting the most promising young talents in the women's game.

Ten shot-stoppers will be shortlisted for this award, recognising the best goalkeeping performances of the season.

Women's Goalkeeper of the Year — 5 players Five nominees will compete for the women's goalkeeping prize.

This category honours the tactical minds behind the season's top-performing men's teams, with five coaches shortlisted.

Five coaches will also be nominated for excellence in the women's game.

A dedicated award for the most clinical forwards in men's football, featuring 10 nominees.

Five strikers will be shortlisted for the equivalent women's prize.

This award celebrates the top-performing men's club side of the season, with five teams in contention.

Five clubs will also be shortlisted for the women's Club of the Year award.

In total, 12 categories will be decided on the night, each with its own shortlist size reflecting the scale and competitiveness of that particular award. All nominees will be revealed on September 8 via Ballondor.com, ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26.