- George Weah remains the only African to have won the prestigious Ballon d'Or
- Samuel Eto’o earned 10 Ballon d'Or nominations throughout his illustrious career but won none
- Didier Drogba’s closest attempt at the award came in 2007 when he finished 4th
More than just a sport, football is an emotion here in Africa, the second-most populous continent, boasting a rich mix of languages and cultures. Despite its immense diversity, one thing that connects the people of Africa is football.
The legendary George Weah, a former AC Milan star, remains the only African player to have won the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
In the 40th edition of the award in 1995, Africa celebrated its first-ever winner, coinciding with the first year that non-European players were allowed to compete for the honour.
African players with the highest ranking in Ballon d’Or
TheRadar has compiled below a list of Africans who have secured the best spots in the award history over the years:
1. George Weah
During his peak in the 1990s, George Weah was considered one of the world’s finest strikers. Renowned for his speed, stamina, work ethic, and attacking prowess, Weah combined these attributes with excellent finishing, creativity, and technical skills. Over his 18-year career, which concluded in 2003, he left an indelible mark on football.
He was the first and only African to win both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995. Weah also claimed three African Footballer of the Year titles and is widely hailed as one of the all-time greats. That same season, Weah won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue with Paris Saint-Germain.
2. Sadio Mané
A Senegalese professional footballer, Sadio Mané is known for his versatility as both a forward and winger, currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
With his lightning-fast dribbling and pressing, Mané is often ranked among the best African players ever. His finishing, technique, and decision-making easily set him apart.
In 2022, Mané finished as the Ballon d'Or runner-up, after leading Liverpool to an impressive season, winning both the EFL Cup and FA Cup while finishing as runners-up in the Champions League. He also helped Senegal win their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for the World Cup. Previously, he ranked 23rd in 2017, 22nd in 2018, and 4th in 2019.
3. Didier Drogba
The year 2006 was exceptional for Didier Drogba, who had won back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea and played a significant role in their success. Drogba, the 2006/07 FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Premier League Golden Boot winner with 20 goals, earned a 4th-place finish in the 2007 Ballon d'Or rankings, trailing only Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaká.
4. Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o was nominated for the Ballon d'Or 10 times in his career, a testament to his consistent excellence. Known for his incredible pace, dribbling, and passing, Eto’o was crucial in Barcelona’s 2009 treble-winning season, including the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey titles.
His impressive 30 goals in that La Liga season secured him a 5th-place finish in the 2009 Ballon d'Or rankings. Eto’o also led Cameroon to the finals of the 2008 AFCON, where he was crowned the tournament’s top scorer.
5. Mohamed Salah
Since 2018, Mohamed Salah has consistently ranked among the world’s best, finishing in the top 6 for two consecutive years. Known for his blistering pace, Salah has evolved into one of the world's top scorers since joining Liverpool.
In the 2022 Ballon d'Or rankings, he finished fifth, having won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Community Shield. Salah also secured the Premier League Golden Boot and the Playmaker Award for the 2021/22 season, with 23 goals and 14 assists.
Legendary WAGs: Meet the beautiful wives of 5 iconic African footballers
Previously, TheRadar reported that in the world of football, where glory and challenges go hand in hand, the support systems often remain unsung.
The wives of these African football legends stand as pillars coupled with their stories of perseverance, grit, ambition, and love making them more than just partners but also important figures in the lives of their famous husbands.
