MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Lautaro Martínez celebrates Inter’s third goal at the San Siro during a Serie A clash with Napoli. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
The Argentine captain secured 22nd place in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the winner to be announced tonight in London.
He was the sole Serie A representative on the 30‑man shortlist for the award’s 70th edition, set for its debut at the London Palladium.
This marks Martínez’s fifth nomination, tying him for the third‑most in Inter history behind Sandro Mazzola and Giacinto Facchetti. His peak finish was seventh in 2024; he was 20th last season.
Lautaro’s 2025‑26 season at a glance
His haul of 17 goals in 30 games, plus leading Inter to the league and cup crowns, makes a compelling case for higher honors.
On the world stage, he netted three goals for Argentina, including the decisive strike in the semi‑final against England.
Yet Inter’s European dream fell short, bowing out of the Champions League to Bodø/Glimt.
Martínez is nursing a hamstring strain suffered earlier this month and won’t return until next month.