What happened: The Barcelona teenage duo also earned places on the 10-player Men's Young Talent shortlist. Messi rejoined the men's field after winning the award eight times.
Why it matters: Lamine Yamal earned his third nomination after finishing second in 2025. Rodri won in 2024 and enters this vote as the reigning World Cup Golden Ball winner.
By the numbers: Yamal produced 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 Barcelona matches, or 0.93 goal contributions per appearance. Barcelona's three candidates account for 10% of the 30-man field.
What to watch: Voting now determines the winner ahead of the October ceremony.