Age has once again proved to be just a number, with several veteran football stars featuring prominently among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.
The shortlists, announced on September 8, 2026, feature an impressive group of players who have continued to perform at the highest level despite being well into their 30s.
From Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, here is the full list of the 10 oldest nominees for the 2026 awards.
1. Vozinha — 40 years, 97 days
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is the oldest player among this year’s nominees at 40 years and 97 days.
He earned a nomination for the men’s Yashin Trophy after an impressive World Cup campaign.
The nomination also made Vozinha the first player from Cabo Verde to be shortlisted for a Ballon d’Or ceremony.
2. Lionel Messi — 39 years, 76 days
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is the second-oldest nominee at 39 years and 76 days.
The Argentine star earned his 17th career Ballon d’Or nomination following his performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
Messi has also set a new record with a 20-year span between his first nomination in 2006 and his latest appearance on the shortlist in 2026.
3. Wendie Renard — 36 years, 50 days
French defender Wendie Renard is the oldest player among the women’s Ballon d’Or nominees.
At 36 years and 50 days, the veteran defender continues to feature among the elite players in women’s football.
4. Yassine Bounou — 35 years, 156 days
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is another veteran on the 2026 shortlist.
The 35-year-old was nominated for the men’s Yashin Trophy, recognising the leading goalkeepers in world football.
5. Sadio Mané — 34 years, 151 days
Senegal forward Sadio Mané features among the oldest nominees at 34 years and 151 days.
His performances in the Saudi Pro League and at the Africa Cup of Nations helped earn him his fifth career Ballon d’Or nomination.
6. Édouard Mendy — 34 years, 191 days
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is also among the experienced players nominated for the Yashin Trophy.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper is 34 years and 191 days old.
7. Thibaut Courtois — 34 years, 120 days
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 34, also features on the Yashin Trophy shortlist.
The Belgian remains one of the most experienced goalkeepers among this year’s nominees.
8. Emiliano Martínez — 34 years, 6 days
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez completes the group of veteran goalkeepers on the Yashin Trophy shortlist.
The 34-year-old has continued to feature prominently at international and club level.
9. Pernille Harder — 33 years, 297 days
Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder is among the oldest nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or.
The Denmark international is 33 years and 297 days old.
10. Ann-Katrin Berger — 35 years, 334 days
Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is another veteran recognised in the women’s categories.
At 35 years and 334 days, Berger earned a nomination for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy after her campaign in the NWSL.
Vanguard News
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