Julián Quiñones nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Mexican striker Julián Quiñones has been named to the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. This nomination marks a historic milestone for Mexican football, as he is the first player from the nation to secure a spot in the final top 30 list in 11 years.

His inclusion follows a highly productive season with Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where he recorded 41 goals and 5 assists in 40 matches. Additionally, his performance during the 2026 World Cup, where he scored four goals in five matches, significantly contributed to his recognition by France Football.

Quiñones becomes only the sixth Mexican player in history to be considered among the world's elite for this award. While previous players such as Rafael Márquez, Javier Hernández, Giovani Dos Santos, and Andrés Guardado appeared on preliminary lists, Quiñones is the first since Guillermo Ochoa in 2007 to officially reach the final selection.