Numerous Ballon d’Or nominations - Jan-Christian Dreesen: 'A remarkable first'

After FC Bayern’s outstanding season with the ‘double double’ and reaching the semi-finals of the men’s and women’s Champions League, the record champions are also well represented in the 2026 Ballon d’Or! On Tuesday, the nominees for this year’s awards were announced. A total of eight men’s and women’s players, as well as Vincent Kompany in the coach category and both the men’s and women’s teams, are on the respective shortlists for the prestigious awards.

Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern CEO: “For the first time, both our women’s and men’s teams have been nominated in the ‘Club of the Year’ category at the Ballon d’Or – a remarkable first. And on the men’s side, four Bayern players are on the shortlist for the first time in ten years: Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise. This underscores the exceptional quality of our team. Of course, Vincent Kompany also deserves a place on the list of nominees for ‘Coach of the Year’. He has brought back spirit and a love of the game, helped our team develop further on the pitch, and is an outstanding ambassador for FC Bayern.”

Men’s Club of the Year

FCB are shortlisted for the Men’s Club of the Year. As well as comfortably winning the league title, the Munich men set a staggering new record of 122 goals in the Bundesliga. Bayern won the DFB Cup for the first time since 2020 thanks to some strong displays, not least the 3-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart in the final. Kompany’s side also impressed in the Champions League with thrilling attacking football, losing out to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals by the narrowest of margins. In further evidence of FCB’s remarkable success, the Bavarians have claimed top spot in the UEFA club ranking, which lists the most successful clubs over the past 10 years, dislodging Real Madrid who had held it continuously since 2013/14. 

Women’s Club of the Year

FC Bayern’s women’s team are also on the shortlist for Club of the Year. José Barcala’s side won the league and cup double for the second year running, completing an unbeaten campaign in the Bundesliga and beating long-time rivals VfL Wolfsburg 4-0 in the cup final. FCB also made their mark in the Champions League as they reached the semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners FC Barcelona.

Men’s Ballon d‘Or

Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Dayot Upamecano are included on the 30-man shortlist for the Men’s Ballon d‘Or.

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern, won the Golden Shoe as Europe’s best goalscorer with his 36 league goals, and was crowned Men’s Player of the Year by kicker. As captain, Kane reached the semi-finals of the World Cup with England and netted six goals.

Olise caused a sensation with his unique style of play and thrilled fans with 22 goals and 26 assists in 52 appearances for FCB. At the World Cup, Olise set up seven goals for France on their way to the semi-finals.

Díaz was an instant hit in his first season in Munich, forming a world-beating attacking trio with Kane and Olise. The Colombian posted an impressive 26 goals and 19 assists last term for the Reds, before scoring once at the World Cup, where Colombia reached the round of 16.

Upamecano is a rock at the back for Bayern and was crucial to FCB’s defensive solidity last season in his 42 appearances. The centre-back also impressed for France at the World Cup, playing in all eight games.

Women's Ballon d'Or

In the women’s category, Klara Bühl, Pernille Harder and Momoko Tanikawa are nominated. The trio played a key role in FCB Women’s major successes last season.

Bühl scored eight goals in the 2025/26 campaign but particularly shone as a provider – the Germany international delivered a whopping 22 assists.

Harder registered 28 goals and 10 assists for Bayern, scoring in the cup final and in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Tanikawa made her breakthrough with Bayern Women last season. The 21-year-old impressed with her play in midfield and racked up 13 goals and six assists.

Men’s Coach of the Year

Kompany is among the five nominees for Men’s Coach of the Year. The Belgian has taken the team to a new level in a fantastic manner. Kompany’s Bayern are characterised by attacking power, bravery and aggression. The Bavarians were the highest-scoring team in Europe last season with 122 goals in 34 league games, 184 goals in 55 matches in all competitions – record numbers that stand out even in a club history full of world-class sides. But Kompany also represents the Bayern DNA away from the field. His memorable statement against racism, in which he publicly and forcefully spoke out against hostility and discrimination, made an impression way beyond the club and shaped a debate that affects both football and society.

Men’s Young Talent of the Year

Lennart Karl receives a nomination for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year category. The 18-year-old attacker was a breakout star for Bayern last season, scoring nine goals and setting up seven in 39 appearances. His carefree style particularly delights the record champions’ younger fans. Karl unfortunately missed the World Cup due to injury but is fully back now.

Ceremony on 26 October in London

The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in world football, will take place on Monday 26 October 2026 in London. Since 2024, the ceremony has been jointly organised by UEFA and Groupe Amaury – the publishers of France Football and L’Équipe. The Ballon d’Or has honoured outstanding performances and talent on the pitch since 1956.

Harry Kane has already received the Golden Shoe for his outstanding season: