African footballers have earned nominations in different categories for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards, with three goalkeepers from the continent included among the contenders for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year prize.
The nominees were announced on Tuesday ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which will take place in London on October 26.
African nominees for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Three African goalkeepers made the 10-man shortlist for the award:
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Al-Hilal
- Édouard Mendy (Senegal) – Al-Ahli
- Vozinha (Cape Verde) – Colo-Colo
They will compete against the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, David Raya, Gregor Kobel, Joan García, Matvey Safonov and Unai Simón.
Vozinha’s nomination is particularly notable as the Cape Verde international has been recognised among the world’s leading goalkeepers following his performances during the assessment period.
Bounou, meanwhile, earns another major individual nomination after an impressive spell with Al-Hilal, while Mendy continues to receive recognition for his performances with Al-Ahli.
Ayyoub Bouaddi nominated for Young Talent award
Morocco-born France international Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been nominated for the 2026 Men’s Young Talent of the Year award.
The Man City midfielder is among the young players recognised for their performances during the 2025/26 season.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or awards will recognise performances from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London.
African nominees announced so far:
- Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) — Men’s Young Talent of the Year
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco) — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Édouard Mendy (Senegal) — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Vozinha (Cape Verde) — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
The full list could expand as the remaining Ballon d’Or categories are announced.
Vanguard News
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