City striker Erling Haaland has been nominated for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or.
Ballon d’Or 2026: Everything you need to know
The Norwegian international has been included on the 30-strong shortlist for what is widely considered the most prestigious individual honour in the global game, which is handed out by France Football.
Haaland’s latest Ballon d’Or nomination – his sixth in total so far across his star-studded career - comes on the back of what was another remarkable season for the 26-year-old.
BALLON D’OR 2026: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
All told across the 2025/26 campaign, Haaland plundered 52 goals in total along with nine assists.
Along the way he registered 35 Premier League goals – a feat which saw him lift the prestigious Golden Boot award for a third time in four seasons.
Haaland also proved a pivotal figure in helping City secure twin silverware last term in the shape of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
One of the key pillars behind City’s extraordinary success over the past few seasons, Haaland’s impact was also then replicated on the global stage.
The City striker went on to make a huge impact at the 2026 World Cup finals held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Haaland scored seven times across the tournament to help Norway reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history.
Also amongst the men’s nominees is 2024 winner Rodri, who moved from City to Barcelona earlier this summer after seven years’ sterling service.
The Spaniard was also proved a big part of the City squad that won both domestic cups last term.
And the 30-year-old then went on to captain Spain to World Cup glory over the summer.
Meanwhile, summer signing Ayyoub Bouaddi has been nominated for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
First handed out in 2018, the Young Talent of the Year award recognises the best performing player in the world below the age of 21 with the winner chosen by a jury of former Ballon d’Or winners.
Bouaddi moved to City last month from Lille, after impressing at the World Cup.
The 18-year-old midfielder played in five of Morocco’s six games in North America over June and July, helping them to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Despite his tender years, our new man has already amassed significant experience at club level.
He represented Lille 96 times between 2023/24 and last term across Ligue 1, the Europa League and France’s domestic cup competitions.
Since arriving at the Etihad, Bouaddi has impressed Enzo Maresca and the club’s coaches.
Meanwhile, our Women’s Team have s five nominees in the Ballon d’Or Féminin.
They are Bunny Shaw, Alex Greenwood, Vivienne Miedema, Yui Hasegawa and Kerstin Casparij.
Andrée Jeglertz and Ayaka Yamashita are also shortlisted for Coach and Goalkeeper of the Year while City have also been shortlisted for Women’s Club of the Year for the first time in our history.
BALLON D’OR 2026: WOMEN’S NOMINATIONS
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held tonight and will this year be staged in London, at the famous Palladium Theatre, where the winners across a range of different categories will be revealed.
City v Brighton: £20 for adults and £1 for U18s
Tickets are now on sale for our Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton.
We host Fabian Hurzeler’s side at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 28 October.
Tickets for adults start from just £20, with all U18s only £1 – and you can also buy up to six tickets per person.
Taking place during half term school holidays too, it’s the perfect time to experience a night under the Etihad lights for all the family!
And there will be so much to do beforehand, with a Kids Fanzone just over the road at the City Football Academy ahead of kick-off.
Meanwhile, hospitality is available from just £100 with a range of packages on offer to suit your needs, whether a special occasion for a loved one or for something professional.
Book your place at the Seagulls encounter below.