Two Saudi Pro League stars nominated for Ballon d’Or

By Lee Seng Foo 2 days ago

(Saudi Pro League/Facebook)

Sadio Mane and Julian Quinones have earned places among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following impressive seasons for Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah respectively.

The Saudi Pro League duo were included alongside some of world football’s biggest names when the shortlist was announced on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal among the other contenders.

 

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Mane’s nomination came after playing an important role in Al Nassr ending their seven-year wait for the Saudi Pro League title last season.

The Senegalese forward contributed 10 goals and six assists in the league as Al Nassr edged unbeaten Al Hilal by two points to claim their first championship since 2019.

His international achievements further strengthened his case, with Mane helping Senegal reach the Africa Cup of Nations final before representing the Lions of Teranga at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It marks another Ballon d’Or nomination for the former Liverpool star, who finished runner-up to Karim Benzema in 2022.

Quinones, meanwhile, earned his first nomination following a remarkable goalscoring campaign for Al Qadsiah.

The Mexico international scored 33 goals in 31 Saudi Pro League appearances to claim the Golden Boot, finishing ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and establishing himself as one of the competition’s most prolific players.

He then carried that form into the World Cup, scoring four goals for co-hosts Mexico and emerging as one of their standout performers during the tournament.

While Mane and Quinones will compete for football’s biggest individual prize, the Saudi Pro League also has two representatives among the 10 nominees for the Yashin Trophy.

Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy earned his place after another trophy-laden campaign that included a second consecutive AFC Champions League Elite title and the Saudi Super Cup.

The Senegal international was also named the Saudi Pro League’s best goalkeeper for the 2025/26 season.

Al Hilal’s Yassine Bounou completes the Saudi-based quartet after another impressive year for club and country.

The Moroccan helped Al Hilal complete an unbeaten Saudi Pro League campaign and also featured for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, having earlier helped his country win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bounou and Mendy will compete against the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya and World Cup Golden Glove winner Unai Simon for the goalkeeping award.

The winners will be revealed at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.

Watch selected Saudi Pro League matches live on SPOTV NOW.

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