France Football has announced the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mane the two representatives of African football on the shortlist.
The Morocco international and Senegal forward are both in contention for one of the most prestigious individual prizes in football. Their inclusion provides further recognition for African football, although they face strong competition from some of the biggest names in the world game.
Hakimi and Mane are joined on the list by a number of established stars and leading talents from across European and international football. The nominees are Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembele, Luis Diaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, Joao Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julian Quinones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinicius Jr. and Vitinha, alongside Hakimi and Mane.
Hakimi’s nomination adds to the growing recognition of his status among the leading defenders in world football. The Morocco player is listed alongside several prominent attacking and midfield players, as well as fellow defenders such as Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.
Mane, meanwhile, is the second African player included in the selection. The Senegal international’s presence ensures that the continent has two candidates competing against a field that includes Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Vinicius Jr., Rodri and Lamine Yamal.
Both African nominees will have to overcome significant competition if they are to claim the award. However, their inclusion in the 30-player selection confirms their standing among the leading figures in the global game.
The announcement formally begins the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The nominees will be judged against the strength of their individual and collective performances, with several players able to make a case for the trophy.
Attention will now turn to the jury’s decision and the identity of the player who will succeed the next winner as Ballon d’Or champion. For Hakimi and Mane, being included among the 30 nominees represents an important achievement in its own right, while also giving both players the opportunity to compete for football’s most prominent individual honour.