Arsenal Defender Saliba and Man Utd Captain Bruno Fernandes Discover Their Positions in 2026 Ballon d’Or Rankings

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Monday, October 26, 2026, Arsenal defender William Saliba and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes have discovered their positions in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, with both Premier League stars featuring among the lower-ranked players in the men’s top 30.

The initial rankings for the men’s and women’s awards have been unveiled ahead of the ceremony in London, which will celebrate the 70th anniversary of football’s prestigious individual honour.

Saliba shares 29th position with Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mane following their impressive contributions to successful campaigns for club and country.

The French defender played an important role in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning season, while Mane helped Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title and captained Senegal during their Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Fernandes occupies 27th place after another impressive individual season with Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder earned the Premier League Player of the Year award in recognition of his performances, despite his team’s disappointing overall campaign.

Al-Qadsiah and Mexico forward Julian Quinones is ranked 28th, while Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano occupies 26th position. His teammate Luis Diaz is further up the list in 24th place following Bayern’s trophy-winning campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos sits at 25th after helping the French giants secure another Champions League title alongside other major honours. His teammates Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho occupy 23rd and 20th positions respectively.

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is ranked 22nd after scoring 17 goals during his club’s Serie A-winning campaign. The Argentine international also contributed three goals during his country’s World Cup run.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes occupies 21st position, giving the Premier League champions two representatives among the rankings alongside Saliba.

The women’s rankings also feature several familiar names, with Manchester City stars Vivianne Miedema, Alex Greenwood, Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa all securing places in the top 30 following impressive performances during the 2025/26 campaign.

OL Lyonnes players Caroline Weir, Selma Bacha and Wendie Renard have also received recognition for their contributions.

Attention will now turn to the remaining positions, particularly the leading contenders for both awards, as football fans await the final announcements at the London ceremony.