Ballon d’Or unveils nominees who changed clubs ahead of award ceremony [Full list]

The 2026 summer transfer window saw several current and former Ballon d’Or nominees embark on new chapters in their careers, with some leaving European football for Major League Soccer (MLS) while others joined continental giants.

From Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann heading to the United States to Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries sealing high-profile moves to Real Madrid, these transfers involve players who have all earned recognition among the world’s best footballers.

Here’s a look at seven Ballon d’Or nominees who switched clubs ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as released by Ballon d’Or.

1. Robert Lewandowski – FC Barcelona to Chicago Fire

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has brought his illustrious European career to a close by joining MLS side Chicago Fire after leaving Barcelona as a free agent.

The prolific forward received nine Ballon d’Or nominations, with his best finish coming in 2021, when he placed second. He also won the Gerd Müller Trophy in 2022 as the season’s top scorer.

2. Antoine Griezmann – Atlético Madrid to Orlando City

French forward Antoine Griezmann has joined Orlando City after ending his long spell with Atlético Madrid.

Griezmann has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or five times, achieving his highest finish with third place in both 2016 and 2018.

3. Casemiro – Manchester United to Inter Miami

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has moved to Inter Miami, joining Lionel Messi in the MLS after leaving Manchester United.

The former Real Madrid star received his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2022, finishing 17th following another successful season in Europe.

4. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City to Real Madrid

After nine trophy-filled years at Manchester City, Bernardo Silva has signed for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

The Portuguese playmaker has earned three Ballon d’Or nominations, with his best performances coming in 2019 and 2023, when he finished ninth on both occasions.

5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Marseille to Deportivo La Coruña

Veteran Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to Spain by signing for Deportivo La Coruña after leaving Marseille.

Aubameyang has received three Ballon d’Or nominations, with his highest ranking coming in 2016, when he finished 11th after an outstanding campaign with Borussia Dortmund.

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6. Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan to Real Madrid

Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries has completed a move from Inter Milan to Real Madrid, strengthening the Spanish club’s right flank.

Dumfries earned his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2025, finishing 25th in the voting after an impressive campaign for club and country.

7. Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen to Atlético Madrid

Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo has returned to La Liga by joining Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen.

Grimaldo was nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or after playing a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic season and helping Spain win the UEFA European Championship.

These transfers highlight how established Ballon d’Or nominees continue to shape the football landscape, whether by taking on fresh challenges in Europe or helping raise the profile of football in the United States.