Three Senegalese candidates for 2026 African Ballon d’Or
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SeneNews
Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye are among the three Senegalese candidates for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or. Senegal is the best-represented country ahead of Morocco, while Mané is seeking a third trophy after his 2019 and 2022 wins, according to Wiwsport, cited by SeneNews.
Senegal has Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye among the candidates for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or, according to Wiwsport. With three representatives, it is ahead of Morocco in particular in this selection.
Sadio Mané, who has already won the award in 2019 and 2022, would become the first Senegalese player to win the trophy three times if he succeeds again. Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye are seeking their first award. El Hadji Diouf remains the only Senegalese player to have won two consecutive editions, in 2001 and 2002.
Morocco is represented by Achraf Hakimi, the holder of the title since 2025, and Brahim Díaz. The winner will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony, scheduled for 7 December in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ismaïla Sarr’s candidacy comes after his 2026 Trophée Bocandé, which he won on 22 October with 164 points. Sadio Mané, meanwhile, finished 29th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or on 26 October.
