The Ballon d’Or has revealed its nominees for Young Talent of the Year in both the men’s and women’s categories, ahead of the ceremony in London on 26 October.
Men’s Young Talent of the Year
Lamine Yamal is the standout name on the men’s shortlist, chasing what would be an unprecedented third straight win after taking the award in both 2024 and 2025.
He faces competition from Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí, part of the club’s treble-winning season, and Warren Zaïre-Emery, whose versatility saw him deployed at right-back for PSG when needed last term.
Ayyoub Bouaddi and Yan Diomandé are both nominated off the back of big-money summer moves, to Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively, while Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl continues to build on a breakout campaign in Germany.
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Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, already an established international with 21 caps for Algeria, is recognised for a standout Bundesliga season, and Aston Villa’s Johan Manzambi picks up his first nomination after 16 goal involvements for Freiburg and three goals at the World Cup for Switzerland.
Éli Junior Kroupi has forced his way into contention since a January move to Bournemouth from Lorient, while Kerim Alajbegović rounds out the list after a breakout loan season at Red Bull Salzburg, 13 goals in all competitions, and a stunning solo goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Qatar at the World Cup that was shortlisted for Goal of the Tournament, earning him a summer move to Juventus.
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Women’s Young Talent of the Year
Vicky López is the reigning champion on the women’s list, looking to defend the title after a season that added a fourth Liga F crown and third Champions League medal to her collection at Barcelona.
She is joined on the shortlist by Barcelona teammate Clara Serrajordi, an 18-year-old already capped four times by Spain.
Lily Yohannes earns her nomination after a strong start to life at OL Lyonnes, scoring on her debut and continuing that form throughout the season, while also becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer for the USWNT.
Felicia Schröder is recognised for a remarkable scoring record at BK Häcken, 49 goals in 72 appearances, form that convinced Real Madrid to sign her this summer, where she scored twice on her debut.
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Veerle Buurman completes the shortlist after helping Chelsea to the Women’s League Cup following her move from PSV.
Winners in both categories will be crowned alongside the rest of the Ballon d’Or honours in London on 26 October.
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