Sadio Mané, Achraf Hakimi, Vozinha and Others Earn 2026 Ballon d’Or Nominations

The 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations have arrived with a strong African presence, reflecting a remarkable year for the continent’s footballers on the biggest stages in world football. African footballers have earned nominations, with Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi shortlisted for the men’s prize, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy.

The nominations, announced by France Football on Tuesday, September 8, highlight another important year for African football, following a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup in which nine of Africa’s 10 representatives reached the knockout stage.

Mané returns to the Ballon d’Or shortlist after another influential season for club and country. The Senegalese forward played a key role in Senegal’s successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign, scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final against Egypt as the Teranga Lions progressed to the final. He was subsequently named Player of the Tournament as Senegal won the competition.

Nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ⬇️@SMane_Officiel@AlNassrFC@AlNassrFC_EN@Fsfofficielle@GaindeYi#ballondor pic.twitter.com/i6dI76cbFZ

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 8, 2026

His nomination also reflects his continued importance to Senegal, who were among Africa’s nine teams to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Hakimi, meanwhile, continues to establish himself among the world’s elite defenders. The Morocco international was a key part of Paris Saint-Germain’s historic run to the UEFA Champions League title and has remained one of the most influential attacking full-backs in world football.

He also played an important role for Morocco at AFCON 2025, returning from injury to contribute to the Atlas Lions’ campaign. His latest Ballon d’Or nomination comes…