Confirmed: Barcelona’s Joan Garcia nominated for 2026 Goalkeeper of the Year | OneFootball

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is getting closer and nominees for the Best Footballer of the Year and for all other categories are being announced today.

As already confirmed, FC Barcelona Women’s team, Barça Femeni, have been nominated for the 2026 Women’s Team of the Year, while their manager Pere Romeu is in contention for the Women’s Coach of the Year.

Joan Garcia in the running

Now, Barcelona have received their first nomination from the men’s team as goalkeeper Joan Garcia is in the running for the 2026 Goalkeeper of the Year honour.

The Spanish international joined Barcelona only last year, arriving from RCD Espanyol after the club activated his release clause.

Garcia’s first year at Barça was a big success as he managed to keep 15 clean sheets in La Liga, playing an integral role in the club’s title triumph.

He also won the Zamora Trophy as a consequence of his excellent displays between the sticks.

Garcia was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although he did not play for La Roja at the tournament.

His accomplishments in his debut year at Barcelona have earned him a nomination for the Goalkeeper of the Year honour at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Garcia, though, will face some serious competition from Unai Simon, Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya, Edouard Mendy, Matvey Safonov, Vozinha, Gregor Kobel, and Yassine Bounou.