Inter captain Lautaro Martínez finished 22nd in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings. The winner was still due to be announced at the ceremony in London on 26 October.
Ranking and ceremony details
Lautaro Martínez was the only Serie A player on the 30-man shortlist for the 70th edition of the award. The Ballon d’Or was to be presented at the London Palladium for the first time.
Lautaro’s Ballon d’Or record
It was Lautaro Martínez's fifth Ballon d’Or nomination. His best finish remains seventh in 2024, and he came 20th last year.
What Football Italia said
Football Italia said this made Lautaro Martínez the Inter player with the third-most nominations in the club’s history, behind Sandro Mazzola and Giacinto Facchetti. Football Italia said Lautaro Martínez earned his place on the shortlist after captaining Inter to the Scudetto and Coppa Italia and finishing as Serie A’s top scorer with 17 goals in 30 appearances.
Argentina and injury status
Football Italia said Lautaro Martínez scored three goals for Argentina at the World Cup, including the winner in the semi-final against England. Football Italia said Inter were knocked out of the Champions League by Bodø/Glimt. Lautaro Martínez is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain picked up earlier in October.