Ballon d’Or: Lautaro Martinez only Serie A player nominated, no Dimarco
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is the sole Serie A player nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, sparking debate over the exclusion of league standouts like Federico Dimarco. The list highlights the heavy influence of international tournament performance on the selection process.
Why it matters
The selection criteria for major sports awards often spark controversy regarding the balance between domestic league performance and international tournament success.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is the only Serie A player up for the Ballon d'Or in 2026, as Federico Dimarco doesn't get in despite being named best in the league last season.
This is the 70 th edition of the awards created by France Football, and will for the first time be held in London on October 26.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 22: Ousmane Dembélé and family attend the 69th Ballon D'Or Photocall at Theatre Du Chatelet on September 22, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
The importance of the World Cup and Champions League on the voting was evident, as the full set of 30 nominees was revealed today.
There are no Italian players at all on the list, leaving out Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma even from the shortlist purely for shot-stoppers.
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