Bola de Ouro 2026 has four Brazilians among the nominees; Flamengo also competes for the award

The Ballon d’Or 2026 will have four Brazilians in the competition for the main individual awards of world football. Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos and Lorena are among the nominees announced on Tuesday (8) by France Football. In addition to the athletes, Flamengo was nominated in the Men's Club of the Year category.

The winners will be announced on 26 October in London, England. The change of headquarters is part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, a traditional awards ceremony organized by the French magazine.

Three Brazilians compete for the Men's Ballon d'Or

Among the 30 nominees for the best player in the world are three names from Seleção Brasileira: Vinicius Júnior from Real Madrid; Gabriel Magalhães from Arsenal; and Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain.

Vini Jr. will again appear among the main players of the planet and will have ahead of them important competitors, such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.

Gabriel Magalhães represents Arsenal after a prominent season in English and European football. Marquinhos, captain of PSG, is also among the Brazilians who seek the main individual award of football.

There are no Brazilians among those nominated for the award of best male goalkeeper, nor among the competitors to the Kopa Trophy, intended for under-21 highlights.

Lorena receives two nominations

In women's football, the Brazilian highlight is the goalkeeper Lorena, of Kansas City and of Seleção Brasileira.

The archer is among the 30 nominated for the Women's Golden Ball, which recognizes the best player of the season, and also appears among the five competitors for the award of best goalkeeper in the world.

With this, despite Brazil having four different nominated athletes, Lorena guarantees an additional nomination to the country for competing in two categories.

Flamengo competes for Club of the Year

Brazilian football is also represented among the clubs. Flamengo appears among the five finalists for the Club of the Year award in men's football.

The Red-Black team competes with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt and Paris Saint-Germain. The nomination considers the 2025 campaign, when Flamengo won, among other titles, the Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores.

Brazilians nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – Men's Golden Ball;

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) – Men’s Golden Ball;

Marquinhos (PSG) – Men’s Golden Ball;

Lorena (Kansas City) – Women’s Golden Ball and Best Goalkeeper Award;

Flamengo – Men’s Club of the Year

The Ballon d'Or is defined by a vote of international sports journalists. Among the criteria are individual performance, participation in collective achievements and aspects related to sports posture and fair play.