Mexican football is back on the sport's grandest individual stage. Julián Quiñones, the forward who has become a key figure for both club and country, has been named among the 30 finalists for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The announcement, made by France Football, ends an 11-year wait for a Mexican male player on the prestigious shortlist—a drought that stretched back to 2015.
Quiñones's inclusion is no fluke. Over the past season, he claimed the Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League, finishing as the top scorer in one of the most competitive leagues in Asia. But it was his performances on the biggest stage that truly turned heads: at the 2026 World Cup, he scored four goals for Mexico, leading the national team's attack and proving he can deliver when it matters most. That combination of domestic dominance and international impact convinced voters across the globe.
A legacy of Mexican greats
Quiñones now joins an exclusive club of Mexican legends who have received this honor. The list began in 2007, when a young Guillermo Ochoa earned a nomination after stellar displays with Club América and the national side. Rafael Márquez followed in 2010, fresh off a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona, and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández made it in 2011 after a sensational debut season at Manchester United, where he scored 20 goals.
The last time a Mexican man appeared on the final ballot was in 2015, when Andrés Guardado and Giovani dos Santos both earned recognition—Guardado after winning the Eredivisie MVP with PSV Eindhoven, and dos Santos following a strong campaign at Villarreal. Now, Quiñones carries that torch into a new era.
His journey is also a reminder of the growing global footprint of Mexican football. Born in Colombia and raised in México, Quiñones represents the bicultural reality that defines so much of the Latino experience. His success resonates not just in Guadalajara or Mexico City, but across the diaspora—from Los Angeles to Chicago—where fans see in him a reflection of their own dual identities.
Scarlett Camberos makes history
Alongside Quiñones, Scarlett Camberos has shattered a glass ceiling. The forward, who has excelled in the NWSL and with the Mexican women's national team, becomes the first Mexican woman ever nominated for the Ballon d'Or Féminin. Her inclusion marks a watershed moment for women's football in México, signaling that the talent pipeline is no longer just a men's story.
Camberos's rise has been steady and impressive. After starring at Club América, she moved to the United States, where she has continued to develop her game. Her nomination is a testament to the growing investment in women's football across Latin America, and it sets a powerful example for young girls who dream of playing at the highest level.
The dual nominations of Quiñones and Camberos come at a time when the Ballon d'Or itself has become a global phenomenon, with debates raging over who deserves the top prize. This year's race features familiar names like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, but the presence of Mexican players adds a new layer of pride for fans across the region.
For Quiñones, the nomination is also a personal vindication. After making the switch to represent México internationally, he has faced scrutiny from some quarters. But his performances have silenced doubters, and his place among the world's elite is now undeniable. As he prepares for the awards ceremony in Paris, he carries with him the hopes of a nation that has waited over a decade for this moment.
The return of Mexican footballers to the Ballon d'Or stage reflects the broader growth of the sport in the country. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil, the spotlight is brighter than ever, and players like Quiñones and Camberos are proving that México can compete with the best. Their nominations are not just personal achievements—they are milestones for an entire footballing culture.
As the gala approaches, fans will be watching closely. Whether Quiñones takes home the trophy or not, his presence in the top 30 is a statement. And for a generation of young Mexican players, it's a reminder that the dream is real. The drought is over, and the future looks bright.
