Africa will have a strong representation at the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards, with three goalkeepers from the continent in contention for the prestigious Yashin Trophy.
Senegal’s Édouard Mendy, Cape Verde’s Vozinha, and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou have all made the shortlist for the award, which recognises the best goalkeeper in world football.
Their nominations highlight the growing influence of African goalkeepers on the global stage, with the trio earning recognition for their performances at club and international level.
Mendy has established himself as one of Africa’s most accomplished goalkeepers, while Vozinha has been a key figure for Cape Verde. Bounou, meanwhile, has continued to enhance his reputation as one of Morocco’s leading football stars.
Having three African goalkeepers among the contenders for the Yashin Trophy represents a significant achievement for the continent and underlines the quality of goalkeeping emerging from Africa.
The nominations also provide a major platform for African footballers to compete for one of the most prestigious individual honours in the game.
