Mane and Quinones make Saudi Pro League history with Ballon d’Or nominations

The Saudi Pro League has made a significant breakthrough in the history of the Ballon d’Or, with Sadio Mane and Julian Quinones named among the nominees for the 2026 award.

France Football announced its full list of candidates for the prize on Tuesday. The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best footballer in the world.

Mane, the Senegal international winger who plays for Al Nassr, and Mexico forward Quinones of Al Qadsiah are the first players from the Saudi Pro League to be nominated since 2023.

However, this year’s nominations mark a new development. Mane and Quinones have been recognised for performances produced during their time in the Saudi Pro League, as well as for their displays with their respective national teams.

That was not the case with the two Saudi-based players nominated in 2023, Yassine Bounou and Karim Benzema.

Bounou, the Morocco goalkeeper, was playing for Al Hilal when he was nominated, having joined the club from Sevilla during the summer of that year. Benzema moved to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in the same transfer window.

The French striker’s nomination was based on his performances for Real Madrid before that move, while Bounou’s recognition also reflected his form at Sevilla. As a result, the 2026 shortlist represents the first occasion on which two players from the Saudi Pro League have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or specifically on the strength of what they achieved while playing in the competition.

Mane has enjoyed a notable period with Senegal. He helped his country reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and also played a role in Senegal reaching the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

Quinones guided Mexico to the last 16 at the same World Cup. His international contribution has been matched by an impressive domestic campaign with Al Qadsiah.

At club level, Mane helped Al Nassr reclaim the Roshn Saudi League title after a seven-year wait. Quinones, meanwhile, finished as the division’s top scorer for the first time in his career.

The nominations underline the growing presence of the Saudi Pro League on the global football stage. While Bounou and Benzema were included on the 2023 list, Mane and Quinones are the first players whose Ballon d’Or recognition is directly linked to performances delivered in Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 award will therefore provide a landmark moment for the competition, with two of its current players competing for one of football’s most prestigious individual honours.