Diomande, Maza and Vozinha among notable omissions from African Ballon d’Or shortlist

The CAF has announced its 10 nominees for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or, with reigning winner Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mane and Brahim Diaz included. However, the list has also prompted questions over the absence of several standout performers, particularly three players who had strong claims to be recognised.

The nominations include three players from Morocco and three from Senegal, reflecting the prominence of the two nations in African football. Yet the achievements of an Ivorian record signing, an emerging Algerian playmaker and a veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper appear to have been overlooked.

Yan Diomande

The most surprising omission may be Yan Diomande, who has made a remarkable breakthrough at the age of 19.

After establishing himself at RB Leipzig, the Ivorian winger ended the 2025-2026 season with 16 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances for club and country in all competitions. It was an outstanding return for a player still adapting to elite-level football.

His form earned him a high-profile move to Real Madrid during the summer, with the transfer fee estimated at 125 million euros. That made Diomande the most expensive African player in football history.

He also represented Cote d’Ivoire at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup. His international profile was further strengthened when he finished fifth in the 2026 Kopa Trophy, which honours the best young players in the world.

The CAF has nominated Diomande for its best young African player award, but his performances could also have justified a place in the senior category.

Ibrahim Maza

Ibrahim Maza is another notable absence. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of African football’s most promising talents since joining Bayer Leverkusen.

In his first full season with the German club, the former Hertha Berlin player made 44 appearances, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

Maza also made significant progress with Algeria. He scored twice and supplied one assist at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before featuring in all four of the Fennecs’ matches at the 2026 World Cup. He finished the group stage as the tournament’s leading dribbler.

His technical ability, vision and skill in tight areas have established him as an important member of the national team. Maza was ninth in the 2026 Kopa Trophy voting, while Lionel Messi included him in his top three.

An excellent start to the 2026-2027 season with Leverkusen has underlined that progress. Like Diomande, Maza is nominated for the best young African player award, but not for the continent’s main prize.

Vozinha

Vozinha was one of the standout figures at the 2026 World Cup. At 40, the Cape Verde goalkeeper played a central role in the Blue Sharks’ historic campaign as they reached their first World Cup and advanced to the last 16 before losing to Argentina.

His displays earned him sixth place in the 2026 Yachine Trophy, ahead of two leading African goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, who finished eighth, and Edouard Mendy, ninth.

Journalists from Nigeria and Zambia also voted Vozinha the best goalkeeper in the world. Although he is among the 10 nominees for Africa’s best goalkeeper award, his achievements with Cape Verde merited consideration for the main honour.

Cape Verde’s absence from the most recent Africa Cup of Nations may have counted against him. The country has no representative among the 10 African Ballon d’Or nominees.