Cucurella: I'm happy to be among the top 30 players and at least I want to watch the ceremony

Spanish player Marc Cucurella expressed his great happiness at being included in the list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or for 2026, confirming that simply having his name among the best 30 players in the world represents an important achievement for him, especially since it is the first time he has appeared in the list of nominees for the award.

Cucurella said: "I am just happy to be among the best 30 players; this is the first time I have been nominated, and at least I want to enjoy the show," in comments that reflected his happiness at reaching this stage of the award without putting himself under pressure to compete for the top spot.

The former Chelsea defender, who moved to Real Madrid in June 2026, has been nominated after an exceptional international season, having played 65 matches during the 2025-2026 season and contributing to Spain's victory in the FIFA World Cup, a feat that has placed him on the Ballon d'Or shortlist for the first time.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony for 2026 is set to take place in London on October 26, in the 70th edition of the award, amid competition featuring the world's top stars, led by Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and Lionel Messi.