For the first time in three years, no Nigerian player has made the Ballon d’Or shortlist, despite previous appearances from Victor Osimhen in 2023 and Ademola Lookman in 2024. The 30-man shortlist for the 2025 edition of the prestigious award was unveiled this week — with no Super Eagles representation.
However, three African stars have earned global recognition for their outstanding performances over the 2024/25 season. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy are flying Africa’s flag high as they compete with the world’s elite for football’s most coveted individual prize.
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African Standouts
Serhou Guirassy starred in his debut season for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 38 goals across all competitions, including 10 in the UEFA Champions League — the highest by any Dortmund player in a single European campaign. His four-goal display against Union Berlin was one of many memorable highlights.
Achraf Hakimi enjoyed a phenomenal season with Paris Saint-Germain. The Moroccan right-back was instrumental in PSG’s Champions League and Coupe de France triumphs, scoring in both finals. His 11 goals and 16 assists were staggering numbers for a defender.
Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, delivered yet another masterclass campaign for Liverpool, topping both the Premier League scoring (29 goals) and assist (18) charts. His 47 goal involvements set a new Premier League record, reaffirming his status as one of the game’s greats.
The Bigger Picture
UEFA is now co-organising the Ballon d’Or with France Football, beginning with the 2024 edition.
This year’s race is wide open, with Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Desire Doue among the frontrunners. Liverpool’s Salah and PSG duo Dembele and Hakimi are also firmly in contention.
The winner will be crowned on Monday, September 22, at a star-studded gala at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Full 30-Man Ballon d’Or 2025 Nominee List
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona, France)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG, Italy)
Désiré Doué (PSG, France)
Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan, Netherlands)
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Guinea)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG, Georgia)
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, Argentina)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Argentina)
Scott McTominay (Napoli, Scotland)
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal)
João Neves (PSG, Portugal)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England)
Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Fabian Ruiz (PSG, Spain)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, Germany)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal, Sweden)
