Mohamed Salah, together with Achraf Hakimi and Chiamaka Nnadozie, are among the striking names on the balloon d'Or nominated list of this year; Marking a new proud milestone for African football on the world stage.
France Football officially unveiled the full list of nominees for the striking artists of the 2024/25 season on Thursday afternoon, prior to the prestigious Gala prices that would take place in Paris on 22 September.
In the race for Messrs Ballon d'Or, Liverpool's Salah, Paris Saint-Germain's Hakimi, and Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy belong to the African contenders who fight against global stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Lamine.
Apart from playing a crucial role in the historic UEFA Champions League triumph of PSG, Moroccan right back Hakimi registered Hakimi 30 target involvement and helped to keep the Paris-based club 26 clean sheets.
In the meantime, Guinee International Guirassy enjoyed a sensational season with its Bundesliga club, which resulted in an impressive 38 goals in 50 performances, including 13 in just 14 Champions League matches.
Former African player of the year Salah had an excellent season for Liverpool, scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 52 performances, playing a key role in supervising the Reds to the Premier League title for Arsenal.
View all nominees for the Ballon d'Or prices here!
Elsewhere, Morocco International and Al Hilal -goalkeeper Yassine Bounine are confronted with heavy competition for the Yashin trophy for the best goalkeeper, who are taking on PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma, Aston Villas Emi Martinez and Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois.
In the women's category, Chiamaka Nnadozie by Nigeria is also contrary because she wants to claim the prestigious prize for the first time. She will compete against Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal).
Banda and Chawinga ride ladies balloon d'Or Race
Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga are at the forefront of African representation in the nominations of Ballon d'Or Féminin.
Banda rule the African Women's Player of the Year, Banda, would like to improve its twelfth place finish compared to last year. During the assessment period she noted 17 goals and offered four assists and played a key role in helping her American club, Orlando Pride, both the NWSL shield and the NWSL championship securely secure.
In the recently closed ladies Africa Cup of Nations, Banda contributed three goals when the Zambia campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a loss for Nigeria.
Banda Faces Stiff Competition from Malawi's Chawinga, As Well As Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea, France), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spainy, Germany, Germenern Spirit, Italy), and Steph Catley (Arsenal, Australia).
Madugu: Man of the moment?
Nigeria Women's National Team coach Justine Madugu earned a historical nomination for the 2025 Women's Team Coach of the Year Award.
He assured this recognition after he had led the Super Falcons to a record-extending ladies Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, beating hosts Atlas Lionesses 2-1 in an exciting final in Rabat.
The 61-year-old is now joining a competitive shortlist with the Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes of the US, former Canada coach Bev Priestman and Sonia Bompastor.