Overview
- France Football said nominee lists will be published on 8 September and winners will be announced at a London gala on 26 October.
- The award’s evaluation period runs from July 2025 through the end of the 2026 World Cup, so performances at the tournament will count toward votes.
- The electorate comprises 100 journalists for the men’s prize and 50 for the women’s, and each voter will rank ten players using priorities of decisive individual performance, team titles, and class/fair play.
- France Football confirmed 30-player shortlists for both the men's and women's Ballon d'Or and will also name nominees for youth, goalkeeper, coach, forward and club awards.
- Media coverage after the World Cup has highlighted candidates such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi as likely contenders while voters prepare to weigh tournament form and season achievements.