No Ghanaian: List of African players nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or

It was a disappointing moment for Ghanaian football, as no player featured among the several African nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

There were expectations that Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo could make the list, but that did not happen, with Ghana failing to produce players of the required caliber to be included in the 30-man shortlist.

However, other African players who distinguished themselves during the 2025/2026 season were featured in the prestigious list.

Full list of 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi and Senegal forward Sadio Mané are among the 30 nominees for the Men’s Ballon d’Or. Hakimi was recognized following an impressive campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, while Mané earned his place after another strong season with Al-Nassr and the Senegal national team.

In the Women’s Ballon d’Or category, Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga were nominated for their outstanding performances for both club and country.

Some of the continent’s rising prodigies, including Ayyoub Bouaddi and Yan Diomandé, received nominations for the Best Young Player category. Meanwhile, goalkeepers who impressed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, such as Yassine Bounou and Vozinha, were also recognized.

For the first time since 2019, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held outside the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This year’s festivities will take place in London, England, on October 26, 2026, in honor of inaugural Ballon d’Or winner Stanley Matthews.

It remains to be seen whether an African player can clinch any of the awards, as voters will decide the ultimate winners.

Full List of African Nominees Announced

Men’s Ballon d’Or

Achraf Hakimi – Morocco

Sadio Mané – Senegal

Women’s Ballon d’Or

Barbra Banda – Zambia

Temwa Chawinga – Malawi

Men’s Young Talent of the Year

Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco

Yan Diomandé – Côte d’Ivoire

Ibrahim Maza – Algeria

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

Yassine Bounou – Morocco

Édouard Mendy – Senegal

Vozinha – Cape Verde

Africa has 10 nominees across the four categories announced so far.

SB/JKB

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