Ballon d’Or: Lautaro Martinez only Serie A player nominated, no Dimarco

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·8 September 2026

Ballon d’Or: Lautaro Martinez only Serie A player nominated, no Dimarco

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is the only Serie A player up for the Ballon d’Or in 2026, as Federico Dimarco doesn’t get in despite being named best in the league last season.

This is the 70th edition of the awards created by France Football, and will for the first time be held in London on October 26.

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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 22: Ousmane Dembélé and family attend the 69th Ballon D’Or Photocall at Theatre Du Chatelet on September 22, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

The importance of the World Cup and Champions League on the voting was evident, as the full set of 30 nominees was revealed today.

There are no Italian players at all on the list, leaving out Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma even from the shortlist purely for shot-stoppers.

Inter Milan and Argentine player Lautaro Martinez and his wife Agustina Gandolfo arrive for the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, 28 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA

The one Serie A representative is Lautaro Martinez, who it feels was included more for his exploits with Argentina at the World Cup than for being Capocannoniere at the Scudetto-winning Inter.

Dimarco was named Serie A Player of the Season only last week, yet the wing-back doesn’t make it into the final list of 50 best players.

New Juventus signing Kerim Alajbegovic is up for the Best Young Player edition of the Ballon d’Or.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale celebrates his goal during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)