Arabic version: ترشيح ستة لاعبين أفارقة لجوائز الكرة الذهبية 2026

According to Allafrica, six African footballers have been nominated across the Men’s Young Talent of the Year and Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year categories at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.

Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Yan Diomandé and Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza are nominees for Men’s Young Talent of the Year. Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Manchester City midfielder, was recognised for performances at club and international level and chose to represent Morocco despite previously being eligible for France.

Diomandé, a Côte d’Ivoire winger, enjoyed an impressive debut season at RB Leipzig, contributing 20 goals and assists across competitions. Maza, an Algeria international, has also drawn attention for his performances at club and international level.

The goalkeeper nominees are Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, Senegal’s Édouard Mendy and Cape Verde’s Vozinha. The list features players from Morocco, Senegal, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for London on October 26, when winners in the various categories will be announced.