Ballon d’Or: Ayyoub Bouaddi and Yamal lead 10-player Young Talent of the Year shortlist

Morocco and Spain stars Ayyoub Bouaddi and Lamine Yamal are among the 10 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, with Africa represented by three players on the shortlist.

The Barcelona forward and Manchester City midfielder are joined by Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Yan Diomandé.

The 10 nominees are:

• Kerim Alajbegović – Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco
• Pau Cubarsí – Spain
• Yan Diomandé – Côte d’Ivoire
• Lennart Karl – Germany
• Éli Junior Kroupi – France
• Lamine Yamal – Spain
• Johan Manzambi – Switzerland
• Ibrahim Maza – Algeria
• Warren Zaïre-Emery – France

Yamal is the highest-profile name on the list after another standout campaign at club and international level, while Bouaddi had an exceptional World Cup in North America.

The inclusion of Diomandé and Maza means Africa has three representatives among the 10 nominees, highlighting the continent’s growing presence among Europe’s emerging young talents.

The award recognises the outstanding young male footballer of the year, with the nominees selected from across the global game.