African football will have two prominent representatives in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, with Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi and Senegal forward Sadio Mané named among the 30 nominees for the prestigious individual award.
The official 30-man shortlist features some of the biggest names in world football, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Vinicius Jr, Ousmane Dembélé, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal.
Hakimi flies the Moroccan flag
Achraf Hakimi is once again at the centre of Africa’s challenge for the Ballon d’Or.
The Morocco international has established himself as one of the leading full-backs in world football, combining defensive strength with his attacking ability and pace.
His nomination further underlines Morocco’s growing influence on the global football stage following the country’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
Hakimi will be hoping his performances at club and international level can earn him a strong position when the final Ballon d’Or rankings are announced.
Sadio Mané earns another nomination
Senegal star Sadio Mané also makes the 30-player shortlist, continuing his long-standing presence among the elite players in world football.
The forward has enjoyed a distinguished career at the highest level and remains one of Senegal’s most decorated and influential footballers.
His nomination gives African football another opportunity to challenge for one of the most coveted individual prizes in the sport.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or race is expected to attract huge attention as the nominees battle for votes and a place at the top of world football’s most prestigious individual ranking.
Full Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees
Harry Kane
Vinicius Jr
Fabián Ruiz
Vitinha
Ferran Torres
William Saliba
Dayot Upamecano
Bruno Fernandes
Pau Cubarsí
Marc Cucurella
Jude Bellingham
Ousmane Dembélé
Luis Diaz
Lamine Yamal
Erling Haaland
Gabriel Magalhães
Achraf Hakimi
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Lionel Messi
Sadio Mané
Marquinhos
Lautaro Martínez
Kylian Mbappé
Nuno Mendes
João Neves
Michael Olise
William Pacho
Julián Quiñones
Rodri
Declan Rice
