The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations provoked widespread discussion and some controversies. Again, the undeniable talents of African players such as Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Yassine Bounou went unacknowledged, likely because of transfers to leagues less prominent on the global stage. This article examines the omission of African footballers from the 2024 Ballon d’Or and its impact on African football.

The Ballon d’Or 2024: Overview of the Nominees

An overview of the nominees highlighted a problematic tendency in the way the world regards skilled footballers from the African continent. This year’s nominations sparked concern about the absence of Africans. A few Africans like Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Liverpool’s Sadio Mané, who shone brightly in Europe, now play in less popular leagues abroad and consequently face reduced visibility and diminished chances of honors such as the Ballon d’Or.

Notable Omissions: Messi, Salah, and De Bruyne

Notable by their exclusion were Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and even the remarkable 7th-time winner Lionel Messi. Salah, despite a brilliant season scoring 25 goals for Liverpool, missed the cut. De Bruyne, so pivotal for title-winning Manchester City, also went unrecognized, bringing the selection standards into question.

Ademola Lookman: The Lone African Nominee

Ademola Lookman stands alone as Africa’s sole representative among this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees, thanks to his spectacular performance for Atalanta, particularly in the Europa League. However, Lookman’s solitary inclusion underscores the prevailing issue of underrepresentation of African footballers at this level, highlighting ongoing obstacles in global football.

The Future of African Representation in Global Football Awards

The neglect of African players in the 2024 Ballon d’Or raises important issues about their future visibility in worldwide accolades. African footballers must aim not only to compete for elite clubs but also stay in the spotlight by featuring in high-profile tournaments to ensure they receive the acclaim they have earned.