Africa not left out after release of full 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Senegal’s Sadio Mané are among the African stars nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or, while Paris Saint-Germain have made history with nine players included on the 30-man shortlist.

The winner of the prestigious award, organised by France Football, will be announced in Paris on 26 October.

PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé, who won the Ballon d’Or last season, has been nominated again and will attempt to retain the award alongside eight of his team-mates.

Hakimi and Mané represent Africa

Hakimi continues to carry the hopes of Moroccan and African football after another outstanding campaign with PSG.

The Atlas Lions defender is one of nine players from the reigning European champions to make the shortlist.

Senegal international Mané is the other African representative, earning recognition following his performances with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Their nominations ensure that Africa remains represented among the world’s leading footballers competing for the game’s most prestigious individual prize.

PSG dominate nominations

Dembélé is joined by Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha.

The nine nominations underline PSG’s dominance following their continued success in European football.

The French giants have more representatives than any other club on the 30-man shortlist, with Bayern Munich and several other European heavyweights trailing behind.

Dembélé seeks to retain crown

Dembélé enters this year’s race as the defending Ballon d’Or winner.

The French international will face competition from some of football’s biggest names, including Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice are also among the nominees.

Full Ballon d’Or nominations

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
• Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
• Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid)
• Luís Díaz (Bayern Munich)
• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
• Gabriel (Arsenal)
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
• Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)
• Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
• João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
• Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah)
• Declan Rice (Arsenal)
• Rodri (Manchester City/Real Madrid)
• Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
• William Saliba (Arsenal)
• Ferran Torres (Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain)
• Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
• Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

African hopes in Paris

For African football fans, attention will particularly be on Hakimi and Mané when the winner is announced in Paris on 26 October.

Hakimi’s nomination represents another significant recognition for Moroccan football, while Mané’s inclusion continues Senegal’s presence among the elite names in world football.

With PSG making history through their nine nominations, African supporters will hope one of the continent’s representatives can challenge Europe’s biggest stars for the coveted Ballon d’Or.