Three African goalkeepers have been nominated for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, the Ballon d'Or award recognising the world's best goalkeeper. According to Punch, the nominees are Yassine Bounou, Édouard Mendy, and Vozinha, whose performances over the past season earned them places on the shortlist. The nominations highlight the growing prominence of African goalkeepers in world football. The winner will be announced at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in 2026.

African footballers have received nominations across several categories for the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards, according to Vanguard Sports. Three goalkeepers from the continent are among the contenders for the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year prize. The publication released the full list of African nominees for the prestigious football awards, which recognise the sport's top performers across multiple categories.

Naija News reports that the shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has been announced, recognising some of the biggest names in world football for their performances. Among those nominated are Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique, and Vozinha, according to the report. The annual award, organised by France Football, honours outstanding achievements in the sport, and the unveiling of the nominees marks the start of the build-up to the 2026 ceremony.

Ousmane Dembele, winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or, has named his top three contenders for the 2026 award. According to Legit.ng, the French forward picked Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and himself as the leading favourites for the prestigious individual prize. Notably, Dembele left out high-profile stars Lionel Messi and Rodri from his predictions. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will determine the successor to Dembele as the world's best player.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has said he would vote for himself to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the Daily Post reports. Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe, Mbappe, who is regarded as one of the favourites for the prestigious individual award, responded to a question about his vote by saying he would back himself. The France captain's comments come as speculation builds ahead of the 2026 edition of the prize, which recognises the world's best footballer.

France Football is expected to unveil the shortlist of nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or today, and a list of the top five favourites has emerged ahead of the announcement. According to Kalshi, England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is currently leading the race for the prestigious individual prize. The rankings highlight the leading contenders as anticipation builds around the official nominee list for this year's award.