@mauricio.morenoThe 2026 Ballon d'Or candidates are finally out and honestly, some of these names feel a bit unexpected for the shortlist. You've got Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel Magalhães, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all included. It's wild to see the mix of established stars alongside players who might not have been the first pick for everyone, but they made the cut regardless.

@mauricio.morenoThe 2026 Ballon d'Or candidates are finally out and honestly, some of these names feel a bit unexpected for the shortlist. You've got Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel Magalhães, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all included. It's wild to see the mix of established stars alongside players who might not have been the first pick for everyone, but they made the cut regardless.