National Team

Spain Takes Centre Stage in the Ballon d’Or Nominations

Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres represent Spanish football among the nominees for the prestigious award

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Thu, 07/08/2025 - 17:42

Following Spain’s intercontinental title at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July, Spanish football is once again attracting all the attention. The newly crowned world champions have six representatives among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award recognising the best footballer in the world.

Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres feature on a list bringing together the biggest stars in world football and once again highlighting the extraordinary period currently being enjoyed by Spanish football.

In addition to the World Cup, the nominated Spaniards enjoyed outstanding seasons with their respective clubs, lifting numerous trophies. Fabián Ruiz completed a historic campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Champions League — for the second consecutive year — as well as Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup. Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres helped FC Barcelona to another hugely successful season, with the Catalan club winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Meanwhile, Rodri Hernández and Marc Cucurella, now back in LaLiga, stood out for their respective teams during the past campaign.

The seven nominated Spanish internationals head into the award race on the back of successful seasons with both their clubs and the national team, and will now look to join Rodrigo Hernández and Luis Suárez, the only Spaniards to have won the Ballon d’Or since its creation in 1956.

Rodrigo Hernández lifted the award in 2024; Luis Suárez in 1960.

In addition, Unai Simón, David Raya and Joan García are among the candidates for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the season. The Athletic Club, Arsenal and FC Barcelona goalkeepers, all World Cup winners with Spain, will compete for the honour alongside some of the world’s most renowned goalkeepers.

We will have to wait until Monday 26 October to discover the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The ceremony will be held for the first time at The London Palladium in London, marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of this prestigious award.