2026 Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Three African Players Nominated for the Award

Three African youngsters have been nominated for the 2026 Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, with Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomandé and Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza making the 10-man shortlist.

Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi leads the African representation, while Ivory Coast youngster Yan Diomandé and Algeria international Ibrahim Maza have also earned their places on the shortlist.

Below is the full list of the nominees for the 2026 Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year:

Full 2026 Men’s Young Talent of the Year

• 🇧🇦 Kerim Alajbegović
• 🇲🇦 Ayyoub Bouaddi
• 🇪🇸 Pau Cubarsí
• 🇨🇮 Yan Diomandé
• 🇩🇪 Lennart Karl
• 🇫🇷 Éli Junior Kroupi
• 🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal
• 🇨🇭 Johan Manzambi
• 🇩🇿 Ibrahim Maza
• 🇫🇷 Warren Zaïre-Emery

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, in London, England. It will be the 70th edition of the prestigious awards.