Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
The 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations have highlighted the remarkable longevity of several veteran footballers, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Argentina star Lionel Messi leading a list of the oldest players recognised across this year’s awards.
The nominees were announced on September 8, 2026, ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London. The list includes players nominated for the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or as well as the Yashin Trophy for goalkeepers.
Vozinha Leads the Veteran List
At 40 years and 97 days old when the nominations were announced, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is the oldest player among the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees.
The goalkeeper earned a nomination for the men’s Yashin Trophy following his performances for Cape Verde. His inclusion also makes him the first player from the country to receive a Ballon d’Or ceremony nomination.
Vozinha’s presence at the top of the list underlines the continued representation of experienced players in the awards, particularly in the goalkeeper category.
Messi Extends Ballon d’Or Longevity Record
Lionel Messi is the second-oldest nominee at 39 years and 76 days.
The Argentina and Inter Miami forward received his 17th career Ballon d’Or nomination, extending his association with the award across two decades.
According to the official Ballon d’Or website, Messi became the oldest outfield player nominated for the award in the 21st century and established a 20-year gap between his first nomination in 2006 and his latest recognition in 2026.
His return to the shortlist also means the eight-time winner remains part of the award’s elite group despite being close to his 40th birthday.
Wendie Renard Leads Women’s Veterans
France and Lyon defender Wendie Renard is the oldest women’s outfield player among the 2026 nominees.
Renard was 36 years and 50 days old when the nominations were announced and remains among the recognised players in the women’s Ballon d’Or category.
Her inclusion reflects the continued presence of experienced players in women’s football, where several established internationals remain competitive at the highest level.
Four Veteran Goalkeepers in the Top 10
Goalkeepers account for much of the remaining list of the oldest nominees.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou was 35 years and 156 days old at the time of the announcement and was nominated for the men’s Yashin Trophy.
Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, nominated for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy, was 35 years and 334 days old.
Senegal forward Sadio Mané also features prominently on the list.
The Al-Nassr player was 34 years and 151 days old when the nominations were announced and received his fifth career Ballon d’Or nomination.
Mané’s inclusion gives Senegal two representatives among the 10 oldest nominees, alongside goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Pernille Harder Completes the Top 10
Denmark and Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder completes the list.
Harder was 33 years and 297 days old when the 2026 nominees were announced.
Her inclusion means the 10 oldest nominees span men’s and women’s football and include players from several generations of the modern game.
Full List of the 10 Oldest 2026 Ballon d’Or Nominees
- Vozinha — 40 years, 97 days — Cape Verde — Yashin Trophy
- Lionel Messi — 39 years, 76 days — Argentina — Men’s Ballon d’Or
- Wendie Renard — 36 years, 50 days — France — Women’s Ballon d’Or
- Ann-Katrin Berger — 35 years, 334 days — Germany — Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Yassine Bounou — 35 years, 156 days — Morocco — Yashin Trophy
- Édouard Mendy — 34 years, 191 days — Senegal — Yashin Trophy
- Sadio Mané — 34 years, 151 days — Senegal — Men’s Ballon d’Or
- Thibaut Courtois — 34 years, 120 days — Belgium — Yashin Trophy
- Emiliano Martínez — 34 years, 6 days — Argentina — Yashin Trophy
- Pernille Harder — 33 years, 297 days — Denmark — Women’s Ballon d’Or
A Mix of Experience Across Football
The 2026 list demonstrates that age remains compatible with recognition at the highest level of football.
The nominees come from men’s and women’s competitions and include established international figures from Africa, Europe and South America.
For Africa, the presence of Vozinha, Bounou, Mendy and Mané is particularly notable. Their nominations represent different positions and footballing backgrounds, from goalkeeping to attacking play.
Messi’s inclusion is also historically significant because of the length of his Ballon d’Or career. His first nomination came in 2006, while his latest nomination arrives 20 years later.
When Is the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London.
The awards will recognise the leading players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs from the 2025/26 football season.
The men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist contains 30 players, while the women’s award also has 30 nominees. Other categories include the Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, Coach of the Year and Club of the Year awards.
The final winners will be determined after the voting process, meaning the nomination itself does not indicate who will win any of the awards.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
sources
- Official Ballon d’Or
- UEFA
- The Guardian
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Sports Illustrated
