Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are among the notable absentees from the nominees, ending Nigeria’s run of representation across the awards over the past three years.
The ceremony, which marks the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, is scheduled to begin at 8pm in London, equivalent to 9pm Nigerian time. It will be staged in London for the first time, having traditionally been associated with Paris.
Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the prominent names in the men’s award conversation. The 30-man shortlist also includes defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, Lionel Messi, Vinícius Júnior and Senegal forward Sadio Mané, the only African player on the men’s list.
Osimhen previously finished eighth in 2023 after helping Napoli win the Italian Serie A title. Lookman placed 14th in 2024 after a standout season with Atalanta, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final.
Nigeria also had representation in the 2025 awards through Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who both finished fourth in their respective categories.
This year’s nominations include men’s and women’s awards for players, young talents, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs. Winners are selected by international journalists using criteria that include individual performances, team achievements and sporting conduct.
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Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent from the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees as football’s top individual awards are set to be presented in London. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the headline names in the men’s race. Nigerian football fans will have no home representative on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist as the world’s...
Key takeaways
- Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent from the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees as football’s top individual awards are set to be presented in London.
- Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the headline names in the men’s race.
- Nigerian football fans will have no home representative on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist as the world’s leading individual football awards are set to be presented at the London Palladium on Monday evening.Super Eagles forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are among the notable absentees from the nominees, ending Nigeria’s run of representation across the awards over the past three years.The ceremony, which marks the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, is scheduled to begin at 8pm in London, equivalent to 9pm Nigerian time.
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Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent from the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees as football’s top individual awards are set to be presented in London. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the headline names in the men’s race. Nigerian football fans will have no home representative on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist as the world’s...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 26, 2026
