Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper who claimed the Yashin Trophy for the second time last year, has been notably absent from the 2026 shortlist for the award. The prestigious accolade, recognising the world’s top individual honour for goalkeepers, forms part of France Football’s annual Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the winner set to be crowned in London on October 26.
Donnarumma’s Absence from Top Awards
The former Paris Saint-Germain star, recognised for his ‘heroics’ in 2025, is not among the ten goalkeepers nominated for this year’s Yashin Trophy, as announced by Sports Illustrated. Furthermore, Donnarumma, currently listed as a Manchester City goalkeeper, is also missing from the 30-player shortlist for the main 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
This exclusion marks a significant shift, as Donnarumma held ninth place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking, following a ‘historic campaign’ with Paris Saint-Germain that year.
A Historic Omission
The absence of any goalkeeper from the final list of contenders for the main Ballon d’Or is a historic event, marking the first time since 1995 this has occurred. According to Goal.com, citing French newspaper L’Équipe, 2026 is only the third edition of the prestigious award where the goalkeeper category is missing from the final ranking, with the others being 1967 and 1968.
The reason cited for Donnarumma’s exclusion from the main Ballon d’Or shortlist is the Italian national team’s failure to qualify for the last World Cup.
Impact on Yashin Trophy Excitement
The complete absence of goalkeepers from the Ballon d’Or nominees, including Donnarumma, is anticipated to reignite competition for the Yashin Trophy. In previous years, when only one goalkeeper was nominated for the main Ballon d’Or (Martínez in 2024 and Donnarumma in 2025), it reportedly revealed the Yashin Trophy winner’s identity early, thereby reducing the usual suspense of the competition.
FAQ
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Has Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yashin Trophy before?
Yes, Gianluigi Donnarumma lifted the Yashin Trophy for the second time last year (2025) following his performances with Paris Saint-Germain.
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Why isn’t Donnarumma nominated for the 2026 awards?
His absence from the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist is attributed to the Italian national team’s failure to qualify for the last World Cup.
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When and where will the awards ceremony take place?
The winners of the Yashin Trophy and Ballon d’Or will be crowned in London on October 26.
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What is the significance of no goalkeepers on the main Ballon d’Or shortlist?
This marks the first time since 1995 that the final list of contenders for the Ballon d’Or has gone without a single goalkeeper.
