David Raya and five notable omissions from the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist

The 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist has sparked debate after several high-profile names were overlooked despite impressive seasons for club and country.

Among the notable omissions are Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, PSG forward Désiré Doué, Bukayo Saka, Aymeric Laporte and Youri Tielemans.

Each had a strong case built around major trophies, decisive performances or outstanding international campaigns, making their exclusions particularly difficult to ignore.

5 notable omissions from 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist

1. David Raya of Spain and Arsenal

Few players, not just goalkeepers, had a stronger season than Raya, making his omission one of the biggest surprises.

The Arsenal No.1 won the Premier League Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets as the Gunners lifted the title, while he also kept nine clean sheets in the Champions League.

UEFA included him in its official Champions League Team of the Season, while the PFA named him in its Premier League Team of the Year.

Although the Spaniard remains favourite for the Yassine Trophy, he deserves a Ballon d’Or nomination, and a top 10 finish wouldn’t be undeserved.

2. Désiré Doué of France and PSG

Desire Doué’s exclusion is equally striking considering his influence at PSG. The Frenchman played a pivotal role and started the Champions League final as PSG retained the trophy, making it his second consecutive European title.

He was also named Ligue 1’s best young player for a second straight year and represented France at the World Cup, scoring against Norway. Those achievements placed him firmly among the season’s most decorated young stars.

3. Bukayo Saka of England and Arsenal

Bukayo Saka’s campaign was interrupted by injuries, but his importance to Arsenal and influence remained clear.

He scored the decisive goal against Atlético Madrid to send Arsenal into their first Champions League final in 20 years and assisted the goal that delivered their first Premier League title in 22 years.

At the World Cup, he produced three goals and three assists, including a memorable hat-trick in England’s 6-4 bronze-medal victory over France.

4. Aymeric Laporte of Spain and Athletic Club

Aymeric Laporte’s omission is difficult to overlook after his commanding World Cup campaign with champions Spain.

The centre-back started all eight matches as Spain conceded only once throughout the tournament, providing experience and defensive authority at the heart of their successful run.

Spain eventually lifted the trophy after beating Argentina in the final, further strengthening the argument for Laporte’s inclusion.

5. Youri Tielemans of Belgium, Aston Villa and Man United

Youri Tielemans also had a season worthy of consideration after becoming a key figure in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph and Premier League top status.

He opened the final Europa League against Freiburg with a spectacular volley as Villa secured their first Europa League title, before captaining Belgium at the World Cup and helping them reach the quarter-finals.

The consistency of the Belgian, who secured a summer move to Manchester United, across club and country made his omission another talking point.