Journalist: Liverpool legend set to be named in Ballon d’Or nominations

Photo: IMAGO
By Kevin Brown
0
Join AI Pro

Sadio Mane set to be named among 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees

Sadio Mane is reportedly set to return to the Ballon d’Or conversation, with the former Liverpool forward expected to feature among the 30 nominees for the 2026 award.

According to GiveMeSport’s Sam Cohen, Mane and Julián Quiñones are set to be included on the shortlist. For Mane, it represents another reminder of the level he reached during his best years at Liverpool, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.

Liverpool years remain central to Mane’s case

Mane was a four time Ballon d’Or nominee during his career and made his first appearance on the shortlist while at Liverpool. He finished fourth in 2019, following a season in which he played a major role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph.

His partnership with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino became one of the defining attacking combinations of the era. Liverpool subsequently won the Premier League, with Mane again central to the side’s success.

His best individual Ballon d’Or finish came in 2022, when he was runner up to Karim Benzema. By then, his reputation had extended well beyond Anfield, with his performances for Liverpool and Senegal making him one of the leading forwards in world football.

Mane continues to deliver after Liverpool

Leaving Liverpool did not bring an end to Mane’s trophy collecting. He won league titles with Bayern Munich and Al-Nassr, adding another chapter to a career that has taken him from Southampton to the very top of the European game and then into Saudi Arabia.

His numbers for Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 campaign also give selectors something tangible to consider. Mane registered 16 goal involvements in the Saudi Pro League, while his contribution to Senegal remained significant on the international stage.

At 34, his inclusion would naturally prompt debate. Ballon d’Or shortlists are usually dominated by players at the peak of their powers, yet Mane has remained productive deep into his career.

2026 Ballon d’Or race enters decisive stage

The timing of the award has also changed. For the fourth time in Ballon d’Or history, voting is based on performances and achievements during the season rather than a calendar year.

The 2026-27 campaign is already underway, giving the leading candidates one final opportunity to improve their claims before voting concludes.

Paris Saint-Germain are expected to provide several contenders after winning last season’s Champions League at Arsenal’s expense. Arsenal, meanwhile, were crowned Premier League champions for the first time since 2004.

For Mane, the question is whether his latest achievements are enough to secure another place among football’s elite. If his nomination arrives as expected, it will underline the remarkable longevity of a player whose defining years at Liverpool remain a major part of his Ballon d’Or story.

Join AI Pro