The list of nominees for the Golden Ball has been announced.

The race for the Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious awards in the football world, sparks intense debates among fans every year. Zamin.uz reports on this.

This time, the renowned Goal publication has updated the list of main candidates based on outstanding performances throughout the year. The top spots are occupied by players who stood out with their impressive statistics from the previous season.

Harry Kane, defender of the German national team and Bayern Munich club, holds the first place. His teammates Michael Olise and Luis Dias also hold significant positions on the list, recognized as powerful strikers for Bayern Munich.

Representatives of the Spanish Super League also hold great importance on this list. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, as well as young talents Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri from Barcelona, are among the top ranks.

Players defending the English Premier League have also contributed their share. Leaders such as Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Bruno Fernandes are in the spotlight for their ability to score crucial goals and control the game for their clubs.

Vitinha from Paris Saint-Germain of France and Lionel Messi from Argentina have also been included in this list. Messi is respected both as a legend for Western audiences and as the greatest footballer of his era.

Each candidate has been selected based on their playing style, team achievements, and individual statistics. This ranking also reflects the expected results for the 2026 season.

Fans continue to analyze each candidate's potential, and changes are expected in the upcoming monthly lists. The race for the Ballon d'Or is still ongoing, and competition among top-tier players is intensifying.

Source: Goal publication