Paris Saint-Germain has made a significant mark in football history by having 10 players shortlisted among the 30 Ballon d’Or finalists, reflecting the depth and talent of their team after an impressive season.
Despite this landmark achievement, PSG has chosen not to endorse any single player for the esteemed accolade publicly.
As reported by L’Équipe, neither the club nor head coach Luis Enrique intends to promote a particular candidate. PSG aims to maintain unity within a squad that has experienced success together.
Among the nominees from PSG are Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Fabián Ruiz, alongside other notable players like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi.
This decision comes despite the increased focus on the Ballon d’Or race, especially given PSG’s remarkable achievements both in domestic leagues and Europe.
Softfootball previously confirmed that the official list of 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or was released, featuring many of the sport’s top talents.
The final selection is anticipated to draw significant global attention, as numerous nominees have had standout seasons with their clubs and national teams.
Dembélé, who finds himself among the nominees, has already shared his personal top three choices for the award. He named his teammates Kvaratskhelia and former PSG player Kylian Mbappé, along with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane as his favorite picks.
PSG’s substantial representation indicates the success of the French champions, who are considered a key player in European football.
The inclusion of Kvaratskhelia is noteworthy due to his impactful performances, while other players like Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Hakimi have also received acknowledgment for their significant contributions during the season.
In contrast, Barcelona has three players featured in the shortlist, including the young standout Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Ferran Torres.
Lionel Messi has also earned yet another nomination for the Ballon d’Or, despite playing outside of European football, showcasing the lasting impact of the Argentine great.
The Premier League’s representation is strong too, with candidates like Jude Bellingham, William Saliba, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, and Declan Rice among the nominees.
However, with a record 10 candidates, PSG finds itself in a unique circumstance. Instead of designating a single player to publicly support, the club and Luis Enrique have chosen to let each nominee compete based on their own accomplishments.
This strategy allows PSG’s remarkable milestone to be a collective achievement, as the club refrains from turning its unprecedented number of Ballon d’Or nominees into a public endorsement for any individual player.
