Ballon d’Or 2026: Ismaïla Sarr not selected despite a great season

Ismaïla Sarr is not among the 30 nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. An absence which may be surprising given the season achieved by the Senegalese striker with the Senegal national team and Crystal Palace, punctuated by individual performances and several titles.

In 2025-2026, Ismaila Sarr undoubtedly had the best season of his football career. Everything worked out for him. He won the African Nations Cup with Senegal, as well as the Conference League and the FA Community Shield with Crystal Palace. On an individual level, Ismaila Sarr was magnificent, scoring four goals in as many matches during the World Cup in North America. In the Conference League, he was just as brilliant. He finished as the competition’s top scorer, scoring nine goals and was named UEFA Player of the Season. In the Premier League, the Senegalese striker has scored nine goals. In total, all competitions combined, club and selection combined, he ended his season with 26 goals and 3 assists.

An absence which can fuel regrets, as his 2025-2026 season will have been marked by goals, titles and an important influence with Crystal Palace and the Lions, particularly during the World Cup.

By Yaya SOW