The countdown to the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominee announcement is almost over, with the shortlists for all 12 award categories set to be unveiled on September 8.

The announcement will reveal the players, coaches and clubs in contention for the prestigious prizes ahead of the main ceremony in London on October 26.

Here are the 12 Ballon d’Or 2026 categories and the number of nominees in each shortlist:

1. Men’s Ballon d’Or – 30 players

The most anticipated shortlist will feature 30 players competing for the men’s Ballon d’Or.

The eventual winner will be crowned the world’s best male footballer at the October ceremony.

2. Women’s Ballon d’Or – 30 players

The women’s Ballon d’Or will also feature 30 nominees.

The shortlist will bring together the leading female players who impressed during the past season.

3. Men’s Young Talent of the Year – 10 players

The next generation of football stars will be recognised through the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award.

A total of 10 players will make the shortlist.

4. Women’s Young Talent of the Year – 5 players

The women’s equivalent will feature five nominees.

The award will recognise one of the most promising young female players to emerge during the season.

5. Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year – 10 players

Goalkeepers will have their own category, with 10 players shortlisted for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

6. Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year – 5 players

Five goalkeepers will be nominated for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

7. Men’s Coach of the Year – 5 coaches

The achievements of managers will also be recognised, with five coaches shortlisted for the Men’s Coach of the Year award.

8. Women’s Coach of the Year – 5 coaches

The Women’s Coach of the Year category will also feature five nominees, highlighting the leading managers in the women’s game.

9. Men’s Striker of the Year – 10 players

Ten strikers will make the shortlist for the Men’s Striker of the Year award.

The category will recognise outstanding attacking performances from the season.

10. Women’s Striker of the Year – 5 players

Five female strikers will be shortlisted for the Women’s Striker of the Year award.

11. Men’s Club of the Year – 5 clubs

The awards will not be limited to individual achievements.

Five men’s clubs will be nominated for the Men’s Club of the Year award following their performances during the season.

12. Women’s Club of the Year – 5 clubs

The women’s game will also have its own club award, with five clubs shortlisted for the Women’s Club of the Year prize.

When will the Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees be announced?

The 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlists will be unveiled on September 8, with nominees for all 12 categories announced on the official Ballon d’Or website.

The announcement will kick-start the final stage of the countdown to the ceremony, where the winners will be crowned on October 26 in London.

Vanguard News

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