Hakimi and Mané lead African representation in 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Senegal’s Sadio Mané headline Africa’s representation on the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the continent hoping to produce a strong challenge for the prestigious individual award.

Africa has two direct representatives on the shortlist, with Hakimi, who plies his trade for Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Nassr’s Mané included in the list released on Tuesday.

Hakimi has once again been recognised after another impressive campaign at the highest level for both club and country. The Moroccan defender has established himself as one of the world’s leading full-backs and remains a key figure for club and country.

The enterprising defender delivered an outstanding performance for the Atlas Lions at the global showpiece in North America, where the North African giants cruised to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The former Real Madrid player also produced a top-class performance during the Africa Cup of Nations, where Morocco suffered a narrow defeat to Senegal in the final.

Mané, meanwhile, continues to be recognised among the game’s elite players. The Senegalese forward has enjoyed a decorated career and remains one of Africa’s most prominent football stars.

Despite Senegal’s exit from the World Cup at the last-32 stage, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star showcased glimpses of his quality for club and country, earning him a place on the 30-man shortlist.

He also played an integral role in Senegal’s success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Despite winning the trophy, the Teranga Lions were subsequently stripped of the title by CAF.

Besides Hakimi and Mané, several other players with African roots, including Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Vinícius Júnior, have also been named on the list.

The full list of nominees:

1. Jude Bellingham

2. Pau Cubarsí

3. Marc Cucurella

4. Ousmane Dembélé

5. Luis Díaz

6. Bruno Fernandes

7. Erling Haaland

8. Gabriel

9. Harry Kane

10. Achraf Hakimi

11. Lamine Yamal

12. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

13. Sadio Mané

14. Marquinhos

15. Lautaro Martínez

16. Kylian Mbappé

17. Nuno Mendes

18. Lionel Messi

19. Michael Olise

20. João Neves

21. Willian Pacho

22. Julián Quiñones

23. Declan Rice

24. Rodri

25. Ferran Torres

26. William Saliba

27. Dayot Upamecano

28. Vitinha

29. Vinícius Júnior

30. Fabián Ruiz