The list of nominees for the 2026 African Ballon d'Or has been known since Wednesday. Defending champion Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mané and Brahim Díaz are the headliners.
But three players would have deserved a spot according to specialists. CAF has selected three Moroccans and three Senegalese, but some big names are missing.
The absences spark debates among African football fans. The winner will be named at a ceremony scheduled for December.
