Six Mexicans, one dream: all the players who were nominated for the Ballon d'Or

Mexican soccer once again has a presence among the protagonists of the Ballon d'Or , one of the most important individual honors in world soccer.

Julián Quiñones has made history by making it onto the list of the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after an outstanding campaign with Al-Qadsiah and the Mexican National Team , and there are now six Mexican players who have appeared on the list of candidates for the award.

Who has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or?

Mexico's presence in the history of the Ballon d'Or began in 2007, when Guillermo Ochoa appeared among the candidates for the prestigious award. The then-América goalkeeper, at just 22 years old, became the first Mexican footballer to be part of the list and finished in 30th place in the voting, with one point.

In 2010, the Mexican protagonist was Rafael Márquez , one of the most outstanding defenders of those times. As part of FC Barcelona, he was able to win titles such as LaLiga and two Champions League trophies, and he was a standout player for his national team, participating in the South Africa World Cup.

A year later, the distinction came for Javier "Chicharito" Hernández when he was playing for Manchester United. The striker managed to score 20 goals in his first season with the English team, won the Premier League, and played in a Champions League final. These performances were enough for him to appear among the main candidates to take home the award.

The 2015 edition was special for Mexicans, as it featured two representatives from the country among the nominees. Andrés Guardado and Giovani dos Santos . The former stood out as a key figure for his national team and won the Gold Cup, while the latter was recognized in Europe.

Who is Julián Quiñones and what did he do to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or?

The most recent name in this story is Julián Quiñones , a forward who has become one of Mexico's main attacking figures. His performances during the last cycle, his goal-scoring ability, and his leading role with the Mexican National Team were decisive in earning him a place among the candidates for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

After an outstanding campaign with Al-Qadsiah and the Mexican National Team. His nomination recalls the precedents of figures such as Guillermo Ochoa, Rafael Márquez, Javier Hernández, Andrés Guardado, and Giovani dos Santos , who came close to the highest individual distinction in the past.

With his appearance on the list, Quiñones becomes the sixth Mexican footballer nominated for the Ballon d'Or , and his presence represents a new opportunity for a Mexican player to come closer to a recognition that has historically been won by European players or those who play for these teams.

Now, with Quiñones leading the way, Mexico dares to dream again of making history and turning a nomination into something even greater.