The 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been gradually announced, with Real Madrid's French striker Kylian Mbappe included.

The evaluation period for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is based on player performances from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, with the deadline being the final of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Last season, Mbappe made 44 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 42 goals and providing 7 assists. He did not win any team honors, but was named Real Madrid's season MVP and won the La Liga Golden Boot and the UEFA Champions League top scorer award.
For the France national team, Mbappe made 16 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 7 assists. At the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Mbappe scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists, helping France reach the semifinals. Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot, broke the World Cup all-time scoring record, was selected for the World Cup Best XI, and received the World Cup Bronze Ball award.