Sadio Mané emerges as early 2026 African Ballon d’Or favourite

Sadio Mané has strengthened his position among the early contenders for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or after earning a place on the global award’s 30-player shortlist. The Senegal forward is now being considered for a potential third continental title, although the Confederation of African Football has not yet announced its nominees.

Mané previously won the African award in 2019 and 2022. A third success would put him in contention to replace Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who claimed the most recent edition and remains one of the leading names in the race.

The Senegalese forward is one of only two African players included among the global nominees, alongside Hakimi. That recognition has increased his profile ahead of the continental award, but it does not make him the confirmed favourite. The field could also include Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Morocco’s Ismaïla Saibari, Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomandé and France-born Morocco player Ayoub Bouaddi.

The earlier expectation had centred on Senegal teammate Ismaïla Sarr, but Mané’s selection has shifted attention towards the two-time winner. The final contest will depend on the CAF nomination list, which is still pending.