Africa will have two representatives on the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, with Senegal star Sadio Mane and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi among the 30 nominees.
Mane, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, earns a place on the shortlist after another strong season at club and international level.
Hakimi is also nominated following an impressive campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Morocco international has established himself as one of the leading full-backs in world football and is part of a strong PSG contingent on this year’s shortlist. The European champions have 10 players nominated for the award.
Mane is one of Africa’s most successful players of the modern era and previously finished fourth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or voting.
The Senegal forward was named the best player after Senegal’s controversial AFCON 2025 final victory and also helped Al Nassr win the league title.
Hakimi, meanwhile, is seeking to become the first Moroccan player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or.
The two Africans will compete against some of the biggest names in world football, including reigning winner Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Vinicius Junior and Rodri.