Ballon d’Or 2026: Full list of African footballers nominated

n n

Several African footballers have been nominated for awards at the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with players from Morocco, Senegal, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria featuring among the nominees.

n

The nominations include contenders for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year and Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards.

n

African nominees for Men’s Young Talent of the Year

n

The African players nominated for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award include:

n

Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco

n

Yan Diomandé – Côte d’Ivoire

n

Ibrahim Maza – Algeria

n

Bouaddi, who plays for Manchester City, has been recognised for his impressive performances at club and international level. The 18-year-old midfielder chose to represent Morocco despite previously being eligible for France.

n

Diomandé has also emerged as one of Africa’s brightest young talents. The Côte d’Ivoire winger enjoyed an impressive debut season at RB Leipzig, contributing 20 goals and assists across competitions.

n

Algeria international Maza has likewise attracted attention for his performances at club and international level.

n

African nominees for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

n

Three African goalkeepers have been nominated for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award:

n

Yassine Bounou – Morocco

n

Édouard Mendy – Senegal

n

Vozinha – Cape Verde

n

The nominations highlight the continued presence of African players among the leading performers in world football.

n

Full list of African nominees announced so far

n

Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco — Men’s Young Talent of the Year

n

Yan Diomandé – Côte d’Ivoire — Men’s Young Talent of the Year

n

Ibrahim Maza – Algeria — Men’s Young Talent of the Year

n

Yassine Bounou – Morocco — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

n

Édouard Mendy – Senegal — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

n

Vozinha – Cape Verde — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

n

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, with the winners of the various categories to be announced at the event.

n n