The 67th annual Ballon d’Or ceremony witnessed history as 36-year-old Lionel Messi won his 8th award, making him stand shoulders above everyone else. This achievement earned him the right to be a part of football’s elite class. But for Africa, the stars of the show were Mohammed Salah, who finished 11th, Yassine Bounou, who finished 13th, and Victor Osimhen. These men were a classic example of African footballers who have shone particularly brightly on the global stage, not only through winning trophies and breaking records but by also shattering the boundaries of possibility for their nations and clubs respectively.
In retrospect, a select few Africans have soared to even more extraordinary heights, leaving indelible marks on the beautiful game, and for the 2022/2023 season Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s excellent Italian Serie A season earned him an 8th-placed finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. A well-deserved finish for the Nigerian number 9, Osimhen’s extraordinary feat of scoring 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances not only revitalized the city of Naples but also earned Napoli their first Scudetto triumph in a staggering 33-year period. This feat by Osimhen is remarkable, seeing that only a handful of Nigerian players have been able to achieve it, this has helped him etch his name in the annals of history as the first Nigerian male football player since 1999–a 24 year wait for Nigeria, to grace the illustrious Ballon d’Or list. Placing him with the likes of Finidi George, Austin Jay jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Nwanko Kanu, Victor Ikpeba.
Today, we turn our spotlight on five remarkable African players who have previously graced the coveted Ballon d’Or nominations:
George Weah
We begin with none other than the current President of Liberia, George Weah, an African footballing star of immense stature. In 1995, the very year the Ballon d’Or broadened its horizons to include non-Europeans, Weah claimed the crown. Playing for Serie A giants AC Milan, he dazzled with 26 appearances, 11 goals, and 14 assists, ultimately clinching the Scudetto. His triumphant reign saw him amass 144 votes, leaving legends like Jurgen Klinsmann and Jari Litmanen trailing in his wake. That year, he also clinched the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, sealing his place in African football history.
Finidi George
In 1995, Nigerian right winger Finidi George embarked on a fairytale journey with Ajax Amsterdam. His incredible season featured a triumphant UEFA Champions League victory, an Eredivisie title, the International Cup, and the Dutch Super Cup. This peak performance placed him joint 21st in the Ballon d’Or rankings, alongside Italian icon Franco Baresi, with 6 votes. In this race, he outshone luminaries like Roberto Baggio and Ronaldo.
Samuel Eto’o
Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o etched his name into Ballon d’Or history with a staggering nine nominations. His journey began in 2004 when he received seven votes, marking the inception of his extraordinary run. Eto’o continued to grace the nominations eight more times until the 2012 season, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s greatest footballing powerhouses
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba, the Ivorian powerhouse, etched his name in Chelsea’s folklore with a dramatic equalizer against Bayern Munich in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final. He went on to later score the last penalty of the shootout of that game. His initial Ballon d’Or nomination in 2004 placed him side by side with legends like Frank Lampard and Gianluigi Buffon, ranking 17th with five votes. Didier Drogba was a phenomenal striker who also carried his country Côte d’Ivoire on his back at several CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Yaya Touré
Yaya Touré, the mercurial Ivorian midfielder, orchestrated Manchester City’s transformation under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini. Between 2009 and 2015, he enjoyed six Ballon d’Or nominations. Renowned for his lethal right-footed strikes from 25 yards out, he clinched the Champions League in 2009 and got his first Ballon d’Or nomination in that very year.
These African football stars have not only showcased their unique talent but have also laid a path for future generations. Their Ballon d’Or nominations stand as a testament to their exceptional contributions to the beautiful game. As Africa eagerly awaits her next Ballon d’Or winner, their stories continue to inspire, reminding us that greatness knows no bounds, and dreams can be achieved against all odds.