Gabriel Magalhães, Vini Jr. and Marquinhos up for the Ballon d'Or | OneFootball

Gabriel Magalhães, Vini Jr. and Marquinhos nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'OrCredits: Sam Robles/CBF

French magazine France Football announced this Tuesday (8) the nomination of Brazilians Gabriel Magalhães, Vinicius Jr. and Marquinhos for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d'Or. The nomination for the award, organized since 1956, took into account the players’ performances during the 2025/26 season and at the World Cup.

In his first Ballon d'Or nomination, center-back Gabriel Magalhães made history with Arsenal by playing a key role in the English club’s Premier League title win, ending a 22-year wait for the national championship. During the season, he played 59 matches and scored four goals. According to France Football, he stood out for his “aggressive defensive assertiveness,” “aerial dominance and threat,” and “progressive ball distribution.”

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. was nominated for the fifth time. In the period analyzed by France Football, the Brazil star played 66 matches, scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists. Among the qualities highlighted by the magazine were his “dynamic attacking DNA,” “tactical and defensive development,” and “mental resilience.”

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Brazil’s captain at the last World Cup and PSG’s captain during their back-to-back Champions League titles, center-back Marquinhos was nominated for the second time. In addition to the European tournament, he also won Ligue 1 (the French Championship), the French Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. His standout qualities were “defensive leadership” and “tactical versatility,” and in terms of numbers, he totaled 43 matches and two goals.

Among the Brazilian winners of the award are Seleção legends Kaká (2007), Ronaldinho Gaúcho (2005), Ronaldo Fenômeno (2002 and 1997), and Rivaldo (1999).

Check out all the Ballon d'Or nominees:

Vini Jr. (Real Madrid/Brazil)

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal/Brazil)

Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain/Brazil)

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)

Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona/Spain)

Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid/Spain)

Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain/France)

Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich/Colombia)

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/Portugal)

Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)

Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco)

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain/Georgia)

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)

Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr/Senegal)

Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan/Argentina)

Kylian Mbappé(Real Madrid/France)

Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)

João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/France)

Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain/Ecuador)

Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah/Colombia)

Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)

Rodri (Barcelona/Spain)

Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/Spain)

William Saliba (Arsenal/France)

Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain/Spain)

Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/France)

Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)

About the Awards:

In addition to the Men’s Ballon d'Or, France Football also awards the Women’s Ballon d'Or, Men’s Young Talent, Women’s Young Talent, Goalkeeper of the Season, Women’s Goalkeeper of the Season, Men’s Football Coach of the Season, Women’s Football Coach of the Season, Men’s Club of the Season, and Women’s Club of the Season.

The winners will be announced on October 26, at a ceremony to be held in the English capital, London, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the award.

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