Paris Saint-Germain has shattered its own Ballon d'Or record, securing an unprecedented 10 nominations for the 2026 award. France Football and UEFA announced the full 30-player shortlist on Tuesday, with the Parisian giants claiming nearly one-third of all nominees—a feat never achieved by any club in the award's history.
Nine of the ten nominees earned their accolades while representing PSG this season: Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz, and Vitinha. The tenth nominee, Ferran Torres, joined the club this summer after spending the previous campaign at Barcelona, though he qualified based on his performances before the transfer.
Dominance Built on Silverware Success
PSG's overwhelming presence in the voting reflects their exceptional achievements on the continental stage. The club won back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, a milestone that has fundamentally transformed their European standing. Beyond Europe's premier competition, they also captured the European Super Cup and secured the French Ligue 1 title, establishing themselves as the continent's dominant force.
This milestone surpasses PSG's previous record of nine Ballon d'Or nominees last year, when Dembélé ultimately claimed the award. The winger's win marked a significant moment for the club, validating their investment in world-class talent. The statistical dominance speaks volumes about the depth and quality within Christophe Galtier's squad, which has built a potent blend of French, Spanish, and Georgian attacking prowess alongside a steel-reinforced defense.
What Lies Ahead
The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place on 26 October in London, where the winner among this star-studded PSG cohort will be crowned. Regardless of who ultimately claims football's most prestigious individual honour, PSG's record-breaking nomination haul underscores their transformation into a genuine European powerhouse capable of competing at the highest level.
