'What an embarrassment': Arsenal fans react to William Saliba Ballon d'Or 2026 ranking reveal

Arsenal defender finishes below the likes of Julian Quinones and Bruno Fernandes

William Saliba has finished 29th in the Ballon d’Or 2026 standings, though some Arsenal fans are not happy with his ranking.

Saliba was one of three Arsenal players to have made the 30-man shortlist, along with central defensive partner Gabriel - nominated for the first time - and midfielder Declan Rice.

Saliba played a key role in helping the Gunners win their first Premier League title in over 20 years as well as reaching a first Champions League final since 2006.

Despite this though, the defender has not been able to crack the top 20 - or even the top 10.

The rankings reveal began hours before the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony got underway in London, with the Frenchman coming in at joint-29th with Sadio Mane - formerly of Liverpool and now of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

“The cornerstone of Arsenal’s title success – their first for 22 years – William’s lethal combination of elegant and robust defending helped Arsenal procure 26 clean sheets last season,” the Ballon d’Or website reads.

Judging by the reaction of many Arsenal supporters on social media, Saliba should have been ranked a lot higher.

Saliba’s club team-mates Gabriel and Declan Rice come in at 21st and 15th respectively which means no Arsenal player will finish in the top 10 of this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026 ranking

11. Jude Bellingham

12. Pau Cubarsi

13. Achraf Hakimi

14. Vitinha

15. Declan Rice

16. Ferran Torres

17. Vinicius Jr.

18. Marc Cucurella

19. Joao Neves

20. Willian Pacho

21. Gabriel

22. Lautaro Martinez

23. Nuno Mendes

24. Luis Diaz

25. Marquinhos

26. Dayot Upamecano

27. Bruno Fernandes

28. Julian Quiones

29. William Saliba