London: It was a disappointing moment for Ghanaian football, as no player featured among the several African nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
According to Ghana Web, 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.
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi and Senegal forward Sadio Man© are among the 30 nominees for the Men's Ballon d'Or. Hakimi was recognized following an impressive campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, while Man© 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 Diomand©, 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 Th©Stre du ChStelet 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 Man© - Senegal
Women's Ballon d'Or:
- Barbra Banda - Zambia
- Temwa Chawinga - Malawi
Men's Young Talent of the Year:
- Ayyoub Bouaddi - Morocco
- Yan Diomand© - C´te d'Ivoire
- Ibrahim Maza - Algeria
Men's Goalkeeper of the Year:
- Yassine Bounou - Morocco
- ‚¬°douard Mendy - Senegal
- Vozinha - Cape Verde
Africa has 10 nominees across the four categories announced so far.