PL Powerhouse: Premier League Stars Dominate 2026 Ballon d’Or List
From Bruno Fernandes' record assists to Haaland's goal milestones, see which Premier League stars are nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees have been revealed, and the influence of the Premier League is impossible to ignore. With a surge of standout performers from England's top flight, the list reflects a season of record-breaking creativity, clinical finishing, and defensive mastery. Opta statistics for the 2025/26 campaign provide a clear picture of why these athletes have earned their place among the world's elite.
Bruno Fernandes: The Creative King
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has etched his name into the history books. During the 2025/26 season, Fernandes set a new Premier League record by recording a staggering 22 assists. His vision and playmaking were unmatched not just in England, but across the continent; Opta reports that he created 142 chances in the league, the highest tally of any player across Europe’s big-five leagues.
Erling Haaland: The Goal Machine
For Erling Haaland, the 2025/26 season was about reaching historic milestones. The Manchester City striker hit the century mark in December 2025, scoring 100 Premier League goals in just 111 appearances. His relentless form continued throughout the campaign, as he netted 38 goals in 52 appearances for City across all competitions.
Arsenal’s Defensive Wall
The Gunners' defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their success, with two key figures making the nominations list:
- Gabriel Magalhães: The defender was a fortress for Arsenal, keeping 17 clean sheets in the Premier League—the most of any defender in the competition. In total, he helped the team keep 24 clean sheets across all competitions.
- William Saliba: Saliba's composure on the ball was evident, averaging 67 passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League, the highest rate among his Arsenal teammates. The impact of his presence was stark: Arsenal won 71% of the matches he played in, compared to just 57% when he was absent.
The Midfield Engines: Rice and Rodri
Arsenal's Declan Rice has proven to be a vital asset in the center of the pitch. In the 2025/26 season, Rice contributed five goals and nine assists across all competitions. More impressively, he created 96 chances, making him the most creative English player across Europe’s big-five leagues.
Joining the prestigious list of nominees are Manchester City's Rodri and Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, both of whom provided pivotal contributions to their respective clubs throughout the campaign.
From the record-shattering playmaking of Fernandes and the clinical nature of Haaland to the impenetrable defense of Arsenal and the midfield dominance of Rice, the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees highlight a golden era for Premier League talent on the global stage.