Ballon d'Or 2026: Why Sadio Mané and not Riyad Mahrez?

This Tuesday, France Football revealed the 30 players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Among the thirteen nationalities represented, Sadio Mané's nomination has undeniably drawn attention. This is not due to any lack of merit on the part of the Senegalese player, but rather highlights the notable absence of Riyad Mahrez, the former iconic captain of the Algerian national team.

During the considered period, Mané recorded 55 matches, 24 goals, and 13 assists, crowned by the title of Saudi Arabian champion with Al-Nassr. For the national team, he also shone during the Africa Cup of Nations with 2 goals and 3 assists in seven matches. However, his World Cup 2026 performance was more subdued with no goals and one assist in four matches.

On the other hand, Mahrez concluded his season with Al-Ahli with 8 goals and 14 assists in 43 matches. The Algerian particularly stood out during major international events. In the Africa Cup of Nations, he scored 3 goals in four matches, and added 2 goals and one assist during the World Cup 2026. Collectively, his record is also solid, as he won the Saudi Super Cup and the AFC Elite Champions League with Al-Ahli.

The comparison does not seek to question Mané's nomination but rather to address Mahrez's absence. Considering individual performances, trophies, impact on the national team, and even fair play, both players present similar cases. Mané has the edge in terms of goals over the entire season, while Mahrez had a more significant impact during the World Cup and boasts a richer collective record during this period.

Thus, while Sadio Mané logically deserves his place among the 30 nominees, Riyad Mahrez also seemed to have enough arguments to be included in the 2026 Ballon d'Or list. His absence is therefore, at the very least, particularly questionable.

DZfoot