No Nigerian players, coaches or teams feature on the Ballon d'Or nominee shortlists released on Tuesday, according to the Daily Post. The absence marks a shift from last year, when Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was shortlisted for the Women's Yachine Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, and the team's coach, Justine Madugu, was nominated for Women's Team Coach of the Year. The nominations represent Nigeria's absence from this year's individual football honours.

The 30-man nominee shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or was released on Tuesday, with at least eight high-profile footballers absent, according to the Daily Post. Those missing include Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Portugal, Barcelona pair Pedri and Raphinha, Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and David Raya, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer. The omissions have drawn attention given the players' stature in world football and their performances at both club and international level over the past season.

Only two African players have been included among the 30 nominees for the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or, according to the Daily Post. Morocco's Achraf Hakimi and Senegal's Sadio Mane made the list announced on Tuesday, reportedly earning their places through strong performances at the last Africa Cup of Nations and impressive form for their respective clubs. The nominations highlight their standout campaigns over the past season, though African representation on the prestigious shortlist remains limited compared to previous years.

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.

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.

France Football, organisers of the Ballon d'Or, have officially released the shortlist of nominees for the 2026 edition of the award, publishing the lists on their website on Tuesday. According to the Daily Post, Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele is the current holder of the prize, having beaten Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to win it last year. Details of this year's ceremony, including the venue and date, are expected to follow the announcement of the nominees.