2026 Ballon d'Or: Ronaldo, Raphinha - 8 top players missing from nominees' shortlist

At least eight top footballers are missing from the 30-man nominee shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or released on Tuesday. Notable absentees include Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, Portugal), Pedri (Barcelona, Spain), and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England). Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's eternal rival, makes the shortlist following his impressive performances at the recent World Cup.