Inter Milan’s Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez, now 29, has secured the lone spot for Italy’s top flight on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist. The nomination arrives after a stellar World Cup campaign and a title‑winning Serie A season where he finished as the league’s top scorer.
Why Martínez Made the Cut
The French Football Federation’s annual awards, now in their 70th edition, place heavy emphasis on performances in the World Cup and the Champions League. Martínez’s four goals for Argentina helped the South American giants reach the final, boosting his profile among the voting panel. At club level he netted 26 league goals for Inter, clinching the Capocannoniere title and driving the Nerazzurri to their first Scudetto in over a decade.
Dimarco’s Omission Stuns Serie A Fans
Federico Dimarco, Inter’s left‑back who was crowned Serie A Player of the Season just a week ago, was left off the 50‑man shortlist. The decision raises eyebrows because Dimarco’s contributions were pivotal in both defence and attack, delivering 12 assists and scoring three crucial goals. His exclusion highlights the award’s bias toward attacking flair and global tournaments.
Other Italian Names Missing
Beyond Martínez, no other Italian player appears on the list. Even Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City’s goalkeeper of Italian origin, was omitted from the shortlist for goalkeepers. The lack of Italian representation underscores a broader trend where Serie A struggles to compete with the glamour of the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga in the eyes of voters.
Full Nominee Roll‑Call
The shortlist features 30 men from across Europe and South America, including Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami). Young talent Kerim Alajbegović, recently signed by Juventus, appears in the Best Young Player category, indicating that Italy still produces promising prospects despite the senior shortlist’s scarcity.
What the Ceremony Means for Players
The awards will be presented in London on October 26, marking the first time the ceremony leaves Paris. For Martínez, a win would cement his status as one of the world’s elite forwards and could trigger a new contract discussion with Inter, whose current deal runs until 2028. Dimarco’s snub may fuel a push for greater recognition of defensive players in future editions.
Historical Context
Only a handful of Serie A players have ever been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in the past decade. The last Italian to win the award was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, and the most recent nominee before Martínez was Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022 while playing for Juventus. The current scenario reflects a shift toward a more global voting base that rewards World Cup impact above domestic league dominance.
The shortlist exposes a clear bias toward attacking stars and World Cup performances, leaving deserving league performers like Dimarco in the shadows. Serie A must fight for greater representation if it wants its talent to be globally recognised.
Martínez’s presence on the list keeps Inter in the conversation for European accolades, while Dimarco’s exclusion may spark debate about how defensive contributions are valued. The limited Italian presence could motivate clubs to showcase their players on bigger stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
His World Cup performances for Argentina and his 26 league goals that secured the Scudetto for Inter boosted his profile among voters.
Yes, Dimarco was named Serie A Player of the Season after contributing 12 assists and three goals from left‑back.
The ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, and will be held in London, the first time it moves from Paris.