Age has proved to be no barrier to elite performance as a host of veteran football stars feature among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.
The shortlists, announced on September 8, include players who have continued to compete at the highest level despite being well into their 30s.
From 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, here are the 10 oldest nominees for this year’s awards.
1. Vozinha — 40 years, 97 days
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is the oldest player on the 2026 nominees list at 40 years and 97 days.
He was shortlisted for the men’s Yashin Trophy after his performances at the World Cup.
His nomination also made him 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 was nominated for the 17th time in his career following his performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
His latest nomination also gives him a 20-year span between his first appearance on the shortlist in 2006 and his latest 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 continues to feature among the leading players in women’s football.
4. Ann-Katrin Berger — 35 years, 334 days
Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is another veteran recognised in the women’s categories.
The 35-year-old was nominated for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy following her campaign in the NWSL.
5. Yassine Bounou — 35 years, 156 days
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is also among the oldest players on this year’s shortlist.
The 35-year-old received a nomination for the men’s Yashin Trophy.
6. Édouard Mendy — 34 years, 191 days
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy features among the experienced goalkeepers 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 and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 34, is another veteran shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy.
He remains one of the most experienced goalkeepers among this year’s nominees.
8. 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 earned him his fifth career Ballon d’Or nomination.
9. 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 for both club and country.
10. Pernille Harder — 33 years, 297 days
Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder rounds off the list of the 10 oldest nominees.
The Denmark international, aged 33 years and 297 days, is among the veterans shortlisted for the women’s Ballon d’Or.
