The official list of 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or was unveiled on Thursday, featuring Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy and Barbra Banda—clear signs of Africa’s growing impact on the global football stage.
Among the 30 players shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or in the men’s category, Guinean midfielder Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund) stands out alongside Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), whose attacking stats continue to impress despite his defensive role. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) also retains his place among the world’s football elite.
In the goalkeeping category, Moroccan international Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) is in contention for the Yashin Trophy, thanks to his standout performances, particularly at the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup. On the women’s side, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, reportedly set to join Brighton, is also in the running for the women’s Yashin Trophy.
Zambian forward Barbara Banda (Orlando Pride) and Malawian striker Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City) are among the 30 nominees for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, continuing their rise in global football.
Africa’s emerging generation is also in the spotlight, with Justine Madugu, a Nigerian coach, shortlisted for the Johan Cruyff Award for Best Women’s Coach. These nominations reflect not only sporting excellence but also the continent’s growing leadership and influence in world football.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for Monday, September 22 in Paris, remains one of the premier events on the international football calendar. The prestigious awards honour both individual brilliance and collective achievements, as well as sportsmanship and leadership on and off the pitch.
The most recent Ballon d’Or, awarded in 2024, went to Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Hernández Cascante—better known as Rodri—who had a stellar season with Manchester City and at UEFA Euro 2024. In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí claimed the trophy for a second consecutive year.
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