The 21-year-old from Tavira, João Neves, was nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, being among the 30 players selected for the award that distinguishes the world's best footballer. The list was released by UEFA this Tuesday, September 8. The midfielder started his football career in Tavira before joining Benfica's youth system, having spent several seasons at the club's Training and Development Center in the Algarve.
This is João Neves' second consecutive nomination for the Ballon d'Or. In the 2025/26 season, the player was a key piece at Paris Saint-Germain, the club that won the Champions League for the second consecutive season. In the European competition, João Neves made 14 appearances, 13 as a starter, scored two goals and provided three assists.
Portugal managed to place four players among the 30 nominees. Besides João Neves, Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes and Vitinha, both from PSG, are on the list. Paris Saint-Germain achieved a record by placing 10 players among the nominees, the most representation from a single club. Other candidates include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé, winner of the 2025 edition.
The Ballon d'Or celebrates its 70th edition this year and brings a novelty: for the first time, the ceremony takes place in London, at the London Palladium Theatre, instead of Paris. The move to the British capital aims to mark the 70th anniversary of the first Ballon d'Or, won by English player Stanley Matthews in 1956. The winner will be announced on October 26.
