FC Barcelona is preparing to be the center of attention at the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or gala, which will be held in London at 9:00 p.m. The Barça club has 17 nominations distributed across ten categories, which places it in a dominant position compared to its rivals. Among the most notable candidates are Lamine Yamal in the men's category and Alexia Putellas in the women's category, while the club also aims to win the Best Talent, Best Goalkeeper and Best Women's Team awards.
For the men, the contest seems to revolve between Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane, with Kylian Mbappé as a possible rival. Yamal, who has already been nominated three times, faces a significant challenge, as Bayern Munich's English striker is also a candidate. In the women's category, Alexia Putellas seems to have a clear advantage over Ewa Pajor, although the competition remains close. In addition, the Spanish team, which won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is also on the list of nominees, with Luis de la Fuente the favorite for the Best Men's Coach award.
Barça also has a strong presence in the Best Talent and Best Goalkeeper awards. Lamine Yamal is the main candidate for Best Talent, while Vicky López is the favorite in the female category. Cata Coll, who led the team's defense with an outstanding performance in the Champions League final, is the main candidate for Best Goalkeeper. Coach Pere Romeu also has the opportunity to become the first Barça coach to win the Best Women's Coach award, while the Barça women's team is the favorite for the Best Women's Team award.
As for the Best Men's Team and Best Men's Coach awards, PSG is the favorite for the Best Men's Team award, while Luis de la Fuente is the favorite for the Best Men's Coach award. The Best Male Goalkeeper award could also go to a Spanish player, with Unai Simón the main candidate. The gala jury is made up of 100 journalists specialized in the men's Ballon d'Or and 50 in the women's Ballon d'Or, with representatives from the countries best classified in the FIFA ranking. Former Ballon d'Or winners also vote for the Best Young Player award, while the special jury decides the Best Female Goalkeeper award.