the Ballon d'Or race: The journey of decline continues.. How did Sadio Mané's fortunes change between 2022's runner up and a late rank in 2026?
Senegal international Sadio Mane has finished joint 29th in the Ballon d'Or 2026 rankings alongside Arsenal defender William Saliba marking a disappointing result for the Al Nassr forward four years after he finished runner up for the prestigious award.
The 34 year old was among the first players whose positions were revealed on Monday 26 October ahead of the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium.
According to L'Équipe's official ranking coverage, Mane shares 29th place with French international William Saliba who helped Arsenal win the 2025 /26 Premier League title.
The Senegalese forward's position comes despite an impressive campaign with Al-Nassr and his contributions to Senegal's run to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
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Sadio Mane ranked 29th in 2026 Ballon d'Or voting
Mane's position was announced during the first round of rankings released by France Football before the ceremony.
The initial results included several other prominent names.
Mexican international Julián Quiñones finished 28th while Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was ranked 27th.
Bayern Munich and France defender Dayot Upamecano occupied 26th position.
Mane's joint 29th place finish represents a significant contrast with his previous achievements in the competition.
As Foot Africa highlighted in its review of Africa's highest Ballon d'Or finishes, the Senegalese forward finished fourth in 2019 before reaching second place in 2022 behind eventual winner Karim Benzema.
His 2026 appearance marks his fifth nomination for the award.
Why was Sadio Mane nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or?
Mane's inclusion among the nominees followed another productive season at club and international level.
During the 2025 /26 campaign, the former Liverpool winger recorded 24 goals and 13 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.
He also helped Al Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title ending the club's 7 year wait for the championship.
Mane scored during Al Nassr's decisive 4-1 victory over Damac on the final matchday, contributing to the club's successful title challenge.
His international performances also strengthened his candidacy.
During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Mane scored twice and provided three assists helping Senegal reach the final.
The experienced forward was also influential in the team's attacking play, creating 19 chances from open play during the tournament, according to Opta.
Those performances helped him earn a place among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
A major contrast with Mane's historic 2022 achievement
The latest ranking highlights how Mane's position in the Ballon d'Or standings has changed over the years.
In 2022, the Senegalese international became the first African player since George Weah to finish among the top two.
That achievement followed a remarkable period with Liverpool and Senegal including victory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, played in early 2022.
Four years later, Mane remains among the recognised candidates for the award but has finished near the bottom of the 30 player shortlist.
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