World Cup hero Julián Quiñones and Club América forward Scarlett Camberos made history on Tuesday by earning Best Player nominations for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious award in world soccer.
Quiñones is only the second Mexican man to garner a nomination, while Camberos is the first Mexican woman to be so honored. Additionally, Camberos’ team — Mexico City-based Club América — is among five teams vying for the Women’s Club of the Year award, competing for the trophy with the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The Colombian-born Quiñones earned his nomination after a standout performance in the Saudi Pro League and a star turn for El Tri at the 2026 World Cup.
The 29-year-old striker arrived at the El Tri training camp in May after leading the Saudi league in scoring (his 33 goals were five more than Cristiano Ronaldo scored). He then proceeded to score the first goal of the tournament and added three more, now sitting tied atop the all-time Mexico World Cup scoring list.
In addition to his four goals, Quiñones was selected by tournament organizers FIFA as one of the Top 10 players of the World Cup.
Quiñones’ nomination for the Ballon d’Or comes 19 years after goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa became the first Mexican player to earn similar recognition, although back then France Football magazine selected 50 nominees. Quiñones is among 30 nominees this time around, honored alongside superstars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal and last year’s winner Ousmane Dembélé.
Mexico’s World Cup hero Julián Quiñones earns a top 10 spot in FIFA’s latest player ranking
For her part, Camberos, 25, helped lead América to three titles last season, scoring 27 goals and adding 7 assists.
The Lady Águilas won the Clausura 2026 Liga MX Femenil title, claimed the Campeón de Campeones trophy for a second straight season and hoisted the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup. Camberos was selected Best Player of the Concacaf tournament.
Not only is the recognition of Camberos and América well-earned, but it represents a significant step forward for the Liga MX Femenil which does not turn 10 years old until next year.
The nominees were selected based on performances during the 2025-2026 football season as well as international tournaments that took place between Aug. 3, 2025, and July 19, 2026.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will take place on Oct. 26 at the London Palladium Theatre.
With reports from Vanguardia, ESPN and Marca
