Sadio Mané and Achraf Hakimi named as sole African Ballon d’Or nominees

Sadio Mané and Achraf Hakimi have been named as the only two African players in the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. This represents a decrease from 2025, when the continent had three nominees.

Sadio Mané, playing for Al Nassr, enters his fifth nomination following a season where he won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and the Saudi Pro League. Achraf Hakimi, playing for Paris Saint-Germain, follows a successful period including a Champions League title, the French championship, and the UEFA Super Cup.