2026 Ballon d'Or: 3 reasons why no African player is a favorite this year

Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mané are the two African nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, but neither is expected to make the top 10; Mohamed Salah finished fourth and Hakimi sixth in 2025. Hakimi had appeared to be Africa’s leading contender after an exceptional 2024–25 season with PSG, but injuries kept him out of 22 matches in late 2025 and spring 2026. His fitness problems limited his impact for club and country, including at the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. Despite recording 49 appearances, four goals and 17 assists and winning major trophies with PSG and at the AFCON, a crowded field including Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Haaland is expected to keep him outside the top 10.