Ballon d’Or 2026: six new faces knocking on the doors of the big boys
They were used to watching others receive honors. This time their name is on the list. For this seventieth edition of the Ballon d’Or, six players see their names appear for the first time in their careers on the prestigious list of 30 nominees.
Pau Cubarsí, this 19-year-old veteran
He is very young but he looks his elders straight in the eye and speaks to them on familiar terms. Pau Cubarsí (19 years old) is the second youngest player to be named (born January 22, 2007) after his national and club teammate Lamine Yamal (07/13/2007). The FC Barcelona defender proved during the 2025-2026 season that he no longer has much of a young person who is learning. A regular starter in Catalonia, Cubarsí won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2026, before becoming world champion with Spain. At the World Cup, he played in all eight matches, notably posting 96% successful passes and only one goal conceded by La Roja over the entire tournament. He was also named the best young player of the World Cup.
Cucurella, from shadow to light
His story is that of a player who finally silenced doubts. After a complicated start at Chelsea, the Spaniard has established himself as an important element of the Blues over the years. In 2025-2026, he played 50 matches in all competitions, including 43 starts, being decisive on five occasions. He was a world champion with Spain, being one of La Roja’s best players during this campaign, notably delivering two assists. He silenced many attackers during this competition, including Michael Olise, flamboyant before meeting the new Real Madrid player.
Bruno Fernandes, finally his hour of glory
At 31, the Portuguese has certainly not discovered his talent this season. But he finally received the individual recognition he lacked. With Manchester United, he had an exceptional season: 9 goals and above all 21 assists in the Premier League, a new record for a season in the English championship. United finished third and returned to the Champions League. Fernandes was also voted PFA Player of the Year. A first nomination for the Ballon d’Or which almost seems like a reward for his loyalty and consistency with the Red Devils.
Gabriel Magalhães, the shadow boss
The Brazilian does not need to score three goals per game to impact a season. Pillar of Arsenal’s defense, Gabriel participated in the Gunners’ return to the top of the Premier League, won in 2025-2026. He played 32 league matches, including 30 as a starter, with 3 goals and 4 assists. Arsenal are the best defense in the championship having conceded only 27 goals. Gabriel was also named in the PFA Team of the Season.
Willian Pacho, the Ecuadorian rock
His rise is impressive. Arriving at PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt, Pacho quickly established himself in the Parisian defense. In 2025-2026, he played 23 Ligue 1 matches and 26 matches in all European and national competitions according to available statistical records, contributing to PSG’s historic season. Above all, he won the Champions League with Paris. At 24, the Ecuadorian discovered the Ballon d’Or with already a Big Ears Cup in his list of achievements.
Julián Quiñones, the surprise guest from Saudi Arabia
His name is perhaps the least expected on this list but his numbers speak for him. With Al-Qadsiah, the Mexican striker finished top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 33 goals in 2025-2026. His club finished fourth in the league, while Quiñones moved ahead of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the goalscoring charts. Born in Colombia and became a Mexican international, he then participated in the 2026 World Cup. His journey, from the Colombian pitches to the Ballon d’Or stage, gives his nomination a particular flavor.
On October 26, in London, they may not be the favorites. But for a first invitation to the big ball of world football, they have already won something: recognition.
By Yaya SOW
