List of African players who have been nominated Ballon d’Or award

In the illustrious realm of football, Africa has produced its fair share of legends who have graced the world stage. Among them are George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Michael Essien, and Emmanuel Adebayor. These luminaries have not only left an indelible mark on the pitch but have also earned the honor of being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Here are brief biographies of the African players mentioned who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or:

1. George Weah (Liberia): George Weah is a retired Liberian footballer who won the Ballon d’Or in 1995. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. Weah had a successful club career in Europe, playing for clubs like AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Chelsea. He also had a brief stint with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Beyond his football career, Weah has ventured into politics and served as the President of Liberia, making him a prominent figure in both sports and politics.

2. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon): Samuel Eto’o is a Cameroonian football legend who had a prolific career as a striker. He was nominated multiple times for the Ballon d’Or during his career. Eto’o enjoyed success with top clubs, including Real Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. He is known for his goal-scoring prowess and has won numerous titles, including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies with Barcelona and Inter Milan.

3. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire): Didier Drogba is a retired Ivorian footballer who received Ballon d’Or nominations during his career. He is best known for his time at Chelsea in the English Premier League, where he became a club legend. Drogba was a powerful striker and a key figure in Chelsea’s success, helping them win multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League.

4. Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire): Yaya Touré is an Ivorian midfielder who was nominated several times for the Ballon d’Or. He had a distinguished club career with clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City. Touré was known for his strong presence in midfield, excellent passing ability, and scoring prowess from set-pieces. He played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s rise to prominence in English football.

5. Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria): Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha is a retired Nigerian footballer who received Ballon d’Or nominations during his career. He was celebrated for his skillful dribbling, creativity, and playmaking abilities. Okocha had successful club spells with Eintracht Frankfurt, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers, among others.

6. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria): Nwankwo Kanu, commonly known as Kanu, is a Nigerian retired forward who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or during his career. He had a successful club career with clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal. Kanu was known for his unique style of play, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

7. Michael Essien (Ghana): Michael Essien is a retired Ghanaian midfielder who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or. He had a successful club career, notably with Chelsea in the English Premier League. Essien was known for his versatility, physicality, and ability to dominate midfield battles.

8. Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo): Emmanuel Adebayor is a Togolese striker who received nominations for the Ballon d’Or during his career. He played for several top clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. Adebayor was known for his speed and goal-scoring ability. 

9. Andre Onana (Cameroon) – The Cameroonian goalkeeper who has excelled at Ajax and currently with Man United has been a key figure for both club and country.

10. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – The Egyptian winger who has been a superstar for Liverpool, consistently among the top goal scorers in the Premier League.

11. Bukayo Saka (England/Nigeria) – An emerging talent from England who plays for Arsenal and has shown tremendous promise as a forward.