Yamal's 42 Contributions Head Barcelona Trio on 2026 Ballon d'Or List
FC Barcelona trio Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and summer signing Rodri secured places on the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following the list’s release on September 8. Yamal enters his third consecutive nomination on the back of 24 goals and 18 assists across 45 appearances during the 2025/26 club season.
La Masia Talent and Rodri Anchor Spanish Representation
Yamal’s 42 total goal contributions helped Barcelona claim La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup before he featured in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup victory. Cubarsi established himself as the club’s central defensive starter before participating in a Spanish World Cup backline that conceded a single goal throughout the tournament. Midfielder Rodri, who won the award in 2024, completed his transfer to Barcelona after captaining Spain and receiving the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s outstanding player.
Lamine Yamal
playerThe 30-man selection panel also nominated eight-time winner Lionel Messi following his performances for Inter Miami and Argentina. Paris Saint-Germain featured multiple candidates, including defending holder Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, and former Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final. Additional nominees on the final ballot include Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, and Michael Olise, who recorded 31 assists last season.
Barcelona captain Raphinha missed out on selection following an injury-affected season for club and country, while midfielders Pedri and Fermin Lopez were also left off the shortlist. The inclusion of three primary starters highlights Barcelona’s footprint on the international award list as early-season competitive fixtures resume.
Pau Cubarsí
playerReporting for this update was first published by Barca Universal.