Mané and Quiñones among nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2026

Senegalese Sadio Mané, a star for Al Nassr, and Mexican Julián Quiñones, a striker for Al Qadisiyah, have surprised everyone by appearing on the list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or for 2026.

The final list includes 30 players competing for the top individual award in global football, highlighting the increasing presence of the duo from the Saudi Pro League among the elite stars of the game.

Keenoness has caught the eye after finishing the 2025-2026 season as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 33 goals, ahead of Ivan Tony and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sadio Mané remains among the world's top players after strong performances with Al Nassr and the Senegal national team, securing his place in the final list of nominees.

The Saudi Pro League's presence does not stop at the Best Player list, as Moroccan Yassine Bounou, goalkeeper of Al Hilal, and Senegalese Edouard Mendy, goalkeeper of Al Ahli, are among the nominees for the Best Goalkeeper award.

The presence of Sadio Mané, Kévin De Bruyne, Bono, and Mendy in the awards lists reflects the growing prominence of the Saudi Pro League on the global stage, after the quartet delivered impressive performances during the last season.