List of players with most Ballon d’Or nominations

Primary framing

“List of players with most Ballon d’Or nominations”

The announcement of the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or has brought the spotlight back to the players

Key facts

• Lionel Messi has 17 Ballon d’Or nominations
• Cristiano Ronaldo is the other most nominated player
• The 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist features a new generation of stars
• Messi is one nomination behind Ronaldo
• The nomination list highlights players with long runs among football’s elite
• The 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist has highlighted players with the longest runs among football’s elite.
• The 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist features a new generation of stars
• Messi is one nomination behind Ronaldo

Center-leaning outlets

• Vanguard News