The 2026 Ballon d’Or will feature an international jury comprising 100 journalists, including representatives from 20 African countries. Nigeria is among the eligible countries, along with other top-ranked nations in Africa. The voting structure is based on the FIFA men’s world ranking in effect on September 8, 2026. This ranking determines the countries that will have a voice in selecting the winner of the prestigious individual football award.
The African countries eligible to vote are distributed across various rankings. Morocco leads the continent, ranked sixth globally, followed by Senegal at 18th position. Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria hold the 24th, 26th, and 29th positions, respectively. Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo are ranked 31st and 41st, while Cameroon, Mali, and South Africa occupy the 43rd, 53rd, and 54th positions. Other African countries in the top 100 include Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Gabon, Angola, Uganda, Zambia, and Benin.
The voting system requires each journalist to select and rank 10 players from the 30 nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or. Points are awarded based on the ranking, with the top choice receiving 15 points and subsequent selections receiving fewer points. The points accumulated from the ballots will determine the final ranking of the nominees and ultimately the winner of the Ballon d’Or. This system ensures that journalists from various countries have a say in the outcome.
Several African journalists have been publicly identified as Ballon d’Or voters. These include Nigeria’s Samm Audu of Score Nigeria, Ghana’s Michael Oti Adjei, Egypt’s Inas Mazhar, and South African football commentator Mark Gleeson. Morocco is represented by Mustapha Badri, editor and director of Al Mountakhab. While France Football does not publicly release the complete individual voting roster, these identified journalists highlight the continent’s representation in the voting process.
The inclusion of 20 African countries in the voting process is significant, as it allows for diverse perspectives on the performances of football players. The reference period for the men’s award runs from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, covering major international competitions such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. Journalists will assess the performances of the 30 nominated players within this timeframe.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26. The award recognises individual performances during the 2025-26 season across domestic and international competitions. With the voting process underway, journalists from the 100 highest-ranked FIFA nations will bring their expertise to determine the winner of the prestigious award.
The distribution of voting power across various countries ensures that the winner of the Ballon d’Or is chosen through a comprehensive and representative process. With 20 African countries participating, the continent’s football fans will be closely watching the outcome. The final result will be announced in London, marking the culmination of the voting process that began with the publication of the FIFA men’s world ranking on September 8, 2026.
Key points
- Twenty African countries are eligible to vote for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
- The voting structure is based on the FIFA men’s world ranking in effect on September 8, 2026.
- The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
