Al-Nassr and Senegal forward Sadio Mané finishes joint-29th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or alongside William Saliba, according to L’Équipe. At 34, he climbs five places on the previous stage of the ranking.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ranking was revealed in stages on Monday 26 October, ahead of the London ceremony. Sadio Mané features in 29th place, level with Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, according to L’Équipe. The news is picked up by AfricaFootUnited and Bénin Web TV.
The Al-Nassr forward was 34th before this update: he therefore climbs five places, according to Senego. At 34, the Senegalese, runner-up in the 2022 ranking, is continuing his career in Saudi Arabia.
A fifth appearance on the list
This nomination is the fifth of his career, Foot Africa points out. His record also includes 22nd in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and 2nd in 2022, behind Karim Benzema, according to Wiwsport and Bénin Web TV. After four years away from the list of nominees, he has found his place on it again, Wiwsport stresses.
He was also voted best player of AFCON 2025. Just above him sits Julián Quiñones (28th), himself ahead of Bruno Fernandes (27th) and Dayot Upamecano (26th), according to Foot Africa.
24 goals and a Saudi title after seven years of waiting
Over the 2025-2026 season, Mané scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions, according to Foot Africa. With Al-Nassr, he helped secure the Saudi Pro League title, ending a seven-year wait for the club.
In the final league match, he scored in the 4-1 win against Damac. The ranking confirms his rise since the previous stage, but his 29th place remains far from his 2nd place in 2022.
Nabil Djellit’s view and the upcoming announcement
Journalist Nabil Djellit, of a Senegalese outlet, quoted by Senego, answers the sceptics: “People thought Saudi Arabia was a golden pre-retirement, but he has proved the exact opposite.” These are a journalist’s words, which do not prejudge the jurors’ vote.
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced on Monday 26 October in the evening in London, at 9pm French time, according to Wiwsport and Foot-Sur7.