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Nominated in the young talent category for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, PSG's 20-year-old midfielder has transformed from a prodigy into a resilient tactical anchor for club and country.

Known as “Mazadona” in Algeria, Ibrahim Maza has been making a name for himself as one of the great talents of the new generation. At the age of 20, the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder has just received his first nomination for the Ballon d’Or in the Men's Young Talent of the Year category – and this is the story behind his rise to prominence.

Discover the more human side of Lamine Yamal: his grandmother’s journey from Morocco, the hardships of his childhood and the sacrifices made by his family that propelled the young man to the very top of the football world.

Behind the two words printed on his T-shirt lies a pact of gratitude forged during his family’s most difficult times.

Early maturity, neighbourhood pride and absolute freedom: the phrases that capture the mindset of the young footballer, nominated for the third time for Young Talent of the Year.

A look into the remarkable trajectory, heritage, and explosive form of the teenage sensation taking European football by storm. A 2026 Ballon d'Or nomination for Best Young Talent is a signifier of that.

As well as his defensive solidity, the young centre-back stood out at the World Cup for a quality that is unusual for a player in his position. We analyse the statistics that cemented his reputation.

Rejected in his early days, plagued by poverty and devastated by the death of his sister Roxane. This is the moving story of Real Madrid’s new signing.

It’s been a big few months for Johan Manzambi, excelling at World Cup 26, transferring to the Premier League, and now nominated for the Ballon d’Or Men’s Young Talant of the Year.

Humble beginnings, admiration for his idols and the composure of a seasoned player: the quotes that reveal the mindset of the centre-back, who has been nominated for Young Talent of the Year.

Nominated for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year 2026, Bouaddi is an early achiever whose best is still to come.

From Bosnia to the world stage: Kerim Alajbegović is one of the nominees for the Young Men's Talent of the Year award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony and is emerging as one of the most promising talents of the new generation.

From academy standout to first-team sensation and senior international, Lennart Karl's rapid evolution, tactical versatility, and lethal quick release have catapulted him into football's global spotlight.

A breakthrough 2025/26 has ushered a teenage prodigy into the world’s gaze. And in that spotlight, he has shone.

Learn about the 2026 nominees for the Women's Young Talent of the Year Ballon d'Or™ Trophy

From playing with boys in the Netherlands to commanding the midfield for OL Lyonnes and the USWNT, the 19-year-old nominee for Women's Young Talent of the Year continues her relentless ascent.

Sweden's 19-year-old striking phenomenon Felicia Schröder has been nominated for the 2026 Young Player Ballon d'Or following a astonishing 45-goal season and a record-breaking summer transfer to Real Madrid.

Reigning award winner Vicky López secures her spot again on the five-player shortlist for the 2026 Women's Young Talent of the Year accolade.

At just 20 years old, left-footed defender Veerle Buurman has stepped into Chelsea FC Women's backline with composure, versatility, and elite statistical precision. Her performances have secured her a nomination for the 2026 Women's Young Talent of the Year.

The Spanish national team’s goalkeeper made history against Austria, breaking a legendary record that had stood since 1990. We take a look at the figures behind a feat that places him at the very top of the world.