Seven Ballon d’Or nominees complete major transfers ahead of 2026 awards

Several current and former Ballon d’Or nominees have changed clubs during the 2026 summer transfer window, embarking on new chapters ahead of this year’s prestigious awards ceremony.

Some of football’s biggest names opted for fresh challenges in Major League Soccer (MLS), while others secured high-profile moves to European heavyweights.

According to the Ballon d’Or organisers, seven past nominees have completed notable transfers before the start of the 2026/27 season.

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Polish striker Robert Lewandowski ended his successful spell at Barcelona by joining MLS side Chicago Fire as a free agent. The prolific forward has received nine Ballon d’Or nominations and finished runner-up in 2021. He also won the Gerd Müller Trophy in 2022.

France international Antoine Griezmann also headed to the United States, signing for Orlando City after leaving Atlético Madrid. Griezmann has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or five times, with third-place finishes in 2016 and 2018 marking his best performances.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro joined Inter Miami after departing Manchester United. The former Real Madrid star earned his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2022, finishing 17th.

Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva completed one of the window’s biggest European transfers, leaving Manchester City for Real Madrid after nine successful years in England. Silva has received three Ballon d’Or nominations, finishing ninth in both 2019 and 2023.

Veteran Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returned to Spanish football by signing for Deportivo La Coruña following his departure from Marseille. The former Borussia Dortmund forward has been nominated three times, with his highest finish coming in 2016 when he placed 11th.

Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries also joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan after earning his maiden Ballon d’Or nomination in 2025, where he finished 25th following an impressive campaign.

Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo completed a return to La Liga by signing for Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen. Grimaldo received his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2024 after helping Leverkusen to a historic domestic campaign and Spain to UEFA Euro 2024 glory.

The transfers underline the continued influence of Ballon d’Or-recognised players on the global game, with experienced stars seeking new opportunities across Europe and North America ahead of the new season.