The 2026 summer transfer window featured several past and present Ballon d’Or nominees transitioning to new teams, ranging from major European powers to clubs in Major League Soccer. These high-profile players have all previously secured spots among the elite in world football.
Robert Lewandowski concluded his time in Europe, leaving Barcelona to join the Chicago Fire in the MLS. The forward, a nine-time nominee, reached second place in 2021 and secured the Gerd Müller Trophy in 2022. Similarly, Antoine Griezmann departed Atlético Madrid for Orlando City. Griezmann has earned five nominations, twice finishing third.
Casemiro has also moved to the United States, signing with Inter Miami after departing Manchester United. The midfielder recorded a 17th-place finish following his 2022 nomination. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva departed Manchester City for Real Madrid on a free transfer. The Portuguese playmaker has achieved two ninth-place finishes throughout his three nominations.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returned to Spain, joining Deportivo La Coruña after his stint at Marseille. His best Ballon d’Or ranking was 11th in 2016. Joining him in Spain is Denzel Dumfries, who left Inter Milan to bolster the defensive line at Real Madrid following his 2025 nomination. Finally, Alejandro Grimaldo moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Atlético Madrid, following a 2024 nomination driven by success with his club and the Spanish national team.
These moves illustrate the evolving paths of top-tier talent as they transition between leagues and competitive environments.
