Mane and Quinones headline Saudi League Ballon d'Or landmark after Bono and Benzema | OneFootball

According to Goal.com, the Saudi Roshn League has entered Ballon d'Or history with the unveiling of the 2026 shortlist on Tuesday.

For the first time since 2023, its players appear among the nominees, with Sadio Mane of Al-Nassr and Mexico forward Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah included.

Previously, the league was represented by Yassine Bounou of Al-Hilal and Karim Benzema, then of Al-Ittihad.

The distinction this time is that Mane and Quinones earned recognition for performances delivered in the Saudi Roshn League as well as for their countries. That was not the case for Benzema and Bounou three years ago. It is the first instance of two Saudi-based nominees being recognised for form within the competition.

Mane helped Senegal reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Quinones helped Mexico into the last 16 at the same tournament.

At club level, Mane fired Al-Nassr to their first league title in seven years. Quinones finished as the division’s top scorer for the first time in his career.

Source: Goal.com

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