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.
