Former Flamengo star Vini Jr nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or; full list

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·8 September 2026

Former Flamengo star Vini Jr nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or; full list

Vini is among the biggest names in world football in the race for the France Football award

Vini Jr is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The former Flamengo player appears on the list released by the organization this Tuesday (08), alongside other major names in world football. In addition to the Real Madrid (ESP) forward, Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos are also representing Brazil in the race. The ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London.

SEE THE 30 BALLON D'OR NOMINEESJude Bellingham — Real Madrid/EnglandPau Cubarsí — Barcelona/SpainMarc Cucurella — Real Madrid/SpainOusmane Dembélé — Paris Saint-Germain/FranceLuis Díaz — Bayern Munich/ColombiaBruno Fernandes — Manchester United/PortugalGabriel Magalhães — Arsenal/BrazilErling Haaland — Manchester City/NorwayAchraf Hakimi — Paris Saint-Germain/MoroccoHarry Kane — Bayern Munich/EnglandKhvicha Kvaratskhelia — PSG/GeorgiaLamine Yamal — Barcelona/SpainSadio Mané — Al-Nassr/SenegalMarquinhos — PSG/BrazilLautaro Martínez — Inter Milan/ArgentinaKylian Mbappé — Real Madrid/FranceNuno Mendes — PSG/PortugalLionel Messi — Inter Miami/ArgentinaJoão Neves — Paris Saint-Germain/PortugalMichael Olise — Bayern Munich/FranceWillian Pacho — PSG/EcuadorJulián Quiñones — Al-Qadsiah/MexicoDeclan Rice — Arsenal/EnglandRodri — Barcelona/SpainFabián Ruiz — PSG/SpainWilliam Saliba — Arsenal/FranceFerran Torres — Barcelona and PSG/SpainDayot Upamecano — Bayern Munich/FranceVinicius Junior — Real Madrid/BrazilVitinha — PSG/Portugal

VINI JR CHASING HIS FIRST TITLE

A Flamengo academy product, Vini Jr. once again appears among the leading contenders for the award. The forward left the Rio club at a young age and later built a standout career in European football wearing the Real Madrid shirt.

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As a result, the Brazilian is once again featured on the list of the best players in the world. The nomination also once again puts a former Flamengo player at the center of one of football’s top individual awards. It is worth remembering that the academy graduate finished second in 2024, losing to Rodri and sparking worldwide outrage.

BALLON D'OR CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN LONDON

The 2026 edition will bring a historic change. Traditionally held in Paris, the ceremony will leave the French capital and take place in London on October 26. France Football has organized the Ballon d'Or since 1956 and, since 2024, has staged the event in partnership with UEFA. Therefore, the change of city marks a special moment for the award, which will reach its 70th edition.

The choice of London also carries historical significance. The organizers decided to honor Stanley Matthews, the first Ballon d'Or winner, in 1956. That year, the former English forward received the trophy while playing for Blackpool.

In addition, the move ends, at least temporarily, a tradition that began in 2019. Since then, the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris has hosted the ceremony. In 2026, however, London will host the event for the first time.

FLAMENGO IN THE RACE

Vini Jr will not be the only one representing Flamengo in the race. After all, the club itself is in contention for the “best of the year” trophy. However, the competition promises to be fierce, against world champion PSG (FRA), Premier League winner Arsenal (ENG), as well as Bodo (NOR) and Bayern Munich (GER).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.