Arsenal supporters have expressed their disappointment after William Saliba finished joint-29th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, with many believing the French defender deserved a much higher position following his impressive performances.

According to a report by Football London on Monday, October 26, 2026, Saliba was among three Arsenal players nominated for the prestigious individual award, alongside teammates Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice.

However, the final rankings have left sections of the Gunners fanbase questioning whether the trio received sufficient recognition for their contributions during the campaign.

Saliba shared 29th position with former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who currently represents Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

The defender’s ranking has particularly frustrated Arsenal supporters considering his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side during their successful season. The Gunners secured their first Premier League title in more than two decades and also reached the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.

Although Arsenal’s European campaign ended in disappointment with a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after a 1-1 draw, Saliba remained one of the team’s most influential performers throughout the competition.

His defensive qualities, including composure on the ball, physical strength, recovery pace and excellent reading of the game, have established him as a central figure in Arteta’s defensive system.

The Ballon d’Or organisers also acknowledged his contribution when explaining his nomination, highlighting his combination of elegant and aggressive defending alongside Arsenal’s impressive record of 26 clean sheets during the campaign.

The 2026 nomination marked Saliba’s second appearance on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, further demonstrating his growing reputation in European football.

Nevertheless, his final position has triggered strong reactions among Arsenal supporters, with several fans arguing that the 25-year-old deserved considerably more recognition.

One supporter suggested that Arsenal’s nominated players had been underrated, describing Rice and Gabriel as among the best performers in their respective positions.

Another questioned how Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella could finish above both Saliba and Gabriel, while other supporters expressed frustration over the difference in rankings between Arsenal’s representatives and players from rival clubs.

There were also questions about whether performances in the Premier League received enough recognition compared with achievements in other competitions. However, these reactions represent supporters’ opinions rather than evidence of unfair voting.

Saliba was not the only Arsenal player whose position generated debate. Gabriel finished 21st, while Rice occupied 15th place, making the England international the highest-ranked Gunners player among the three nominees.

Gabriel’s position has also disappointed some supporters who believe his partnership with Saliba has been fundamental to Arsenal’s defensive success.

The Brazilian has combined physical strength, aerial dominance and an impressive goalscoring threat from set pieces with consistent performances at the back.

Rice, meanwhile, has been equally influential in midfield, providing defensive protection, ball progression and control during important matches.

Despite finishing ahead of his two teammates, his 15th-place ranking may also leave Arsenal supporters wondering whether his overall contribution deserved greater recognition.