The Ballon d’Or is an annual ceremony presented to recognize the best footballers.
This award dates back to 1965, although at a point it was merged with the FIFA world player of the year award.
The Ballon d’Or award is widely regarded as one of football’s most reputable and valuable individual award.
However, the continent, Africa hasn’t been lucky when it comes to this trophy. African players are usually nominated from time to time but never recipients of this prestigious award.
In the 2023 award ceremony, Africa had four Ballon d’Or nominees; Andre Onana (Cameroon), Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) topping at eighth.
Significantly, Liberia’s George Weah remains the continent’s only recipient of this award. He won in 1995, the same year the award’s eligibility expanded to include not just Europeans but those of other nationalities playing at European clubs. This eligibility further expanded in 2007, including footballers around the globe.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s Sadio Mane has come the closest for Africa, finishing second place last year.
Most importantly, critics have described the award as a “popularity contest”. In view, its voting process is not as transparent as one would hope.
It’s also serious to note that the Ballon d’Or from 2022 was awarded based on player performances in the previous season and current season.
