ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 12: Officials bring out the FIFA Ballon d’Or trophy before the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 (+) nominations press conference ahead of the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2014 held at Congress House 2015 1 March 12th in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Jamie McDonald – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Football, or soccer, depending on who you ask, has been deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of African sports enthusiasts for generations. Passion for the game permeates everyday life across the continent, from making improvised soccer balls from plastic waste to using bricks, shoes and other available materials for goalposts . The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations will focus on five outstanding African players: Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Malawi’s Thabitha Chawinga, Ivory Coast’s Karim Konate, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman. I’m guessing.
Their recognition on this prestigious platform not only celebrates their outstanding achievements, but also confirms the validity of dreams born in the everyday environments we encounter. The journeys of these candidates are proof of how hard work and determination can transform grassroots aspirations into global recognition.
SAN JOSE, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: Orlando Pride dribbles the ball during the…(+) game between Orlando Pride and Bay FC at PayPal Park on September 20, 2024 in San Jose, California. Barbra Banda #22. (Photo by: Erin Chan/ISI Photography/Getty Images)
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Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Barbra Banda is a prominent Zambian professional soccer player known for her extraordinary talent on the field. Banda made headlines at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his outstanding scoring ability with two impressive hat-tricks against the Netherlands and China, making him the first player in the history of the tournament to score back-to-back hat-tricks. made history. Even though her team was eliminated in the group stage, her performance made her a household name. Moving on to the Paris Olympics, Banda added another three-goal feat in a breathtaking 11-goal encounter against Australia that ended 6-5 in Australia’s favor, giving her three goals in women’s football. He became the first player to do so. Hat trick at the Olympics. Her skillset, characterized by explosive speed, technical dexterity and a relentless drive to succeed, has become a beacon of hope for aspiring female athletes across Africa.
Her outstanding performances helped Zambia win the COSAFA Women’s Cup for the first time in September 2022, scoring 10 goals and winning the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the tournament’s best player. Her ability to score important goals and provide assists proved her integral role within the team and further enhanced her reputation as one of the continent’s best forwards.
Main achievements:
honor:
Orlando Pride: NWSL Shield (2024)
Zambia: COSAFA Women’s Championship (2022)
Individual:
China Women’s Super League Top Scorer (2020)
COSAFA Women’s Championship Top Scorer (2022)
IFFHS World’s Best International Goal Scorer (2023)
Current club:
Banda currently represents the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Since joining the club, she has played a key role in the team’s attacking unit, consistently delivering outstanding performances that have garnered praise from fans and critics alike.
Nominated Trophies:
Barbra Banda has been nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, a prestigious award that recognizes the world’s best female soccer players. This nomination reflects her outstanding contribution on the field and recognizes her influence in improving women’s football in Zambia and abroad.
LYON, FRANCE – MAY 17: Tabitha Chawinga of Paris Saint-Germain attempts a kick during D1 Arkema … (+) vs. Lyon at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France, on May 17, 2024 Paris final. (Photo courtesy of Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
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Tabatha Chawinga (Malawi)
Tabatha Chawinga is a famous professional soccer player from Malawi, known for his exceptional agility, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability. She quickly rose to prominence in women’s football and inspired a new generation of female athletes in Malawi.
Main achievements:
honor:
Kvarnsvedens IK: Elitettan Winner (2015)
Jiangsu Suning:
China Women’s Super League (2019) China National Women’s Football Championship (2019) China Women’s FA Cup (2019) China Women’s Super Cup (2019) AFC Women’s Club Championship Runner-up (2019)
Wuhan Jianghan University: China Women’s Super League (2021)
Paris Saint-Germain: Cup of France (2023–24)
Individual:
Ellie Tettan Top Scorer (2015) Damarsvenskan Top Scorer (2017) Sweden Player of the Year (2017) IFFHS CAF 10 Women’s Team of the Year (2011-2020) IFFHS All-Time African Women’s Dream Team (2021) China Women’s Super League Scorer Wang (2018, 2019, 2021) Chinese Women’s Super League Player of the Year (2018, 2019) Serie A Women’s Footballer of the Year (2022-23) Serie A Women’s Team of the Year (2022-23) UNFP Division 1 Best Outstanding Female Player of the Year (2023–24) Trophy FFF D1 Female Player of the Year (2023–24) UEFA Women’s Champions League Team of the Season (2023–24)
Current club:
Chawinga currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais, one of the top clubs in women’s football in the world. Having previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, his move to Lyon gave him access to high-stakes matches, where he continued to excel and contributed to the team’s success in both domestic and European competitions. contributed greatly.
Nominated Trophies:
She cemented her place among women’s football’s elite when she was nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, an honor that recognizes her outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport on an international scale.
Salzburg, Austria – October 1: Karim Konate of Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 … (+) between FC Salzburg and Stade Brestois 29 at Stadion Salzburg in Salzburg, Austria on October 1, 2024 League Phase MD2 matches. (Photo by Hans Peter Lottermoser/SEPA.Media/Getty Images)
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Karim Konate (Ivory Coast)
Karim Konate is an up-and-coming professional soccer player from Ivory Coast known for his skills as a forward. His exceptional speed, technical ability and goal-scoring instincts quickly propelled him into professional football, showing a promising future for African talent.
Konate made his debut with the Ivory Coast national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking the beginning of a career that many believe will be internationally successful. His inclusion in the Ivory Coast senior men’s team that won the 2023 African Cup of Nations further underlined his potential to represent his country and continue to hone his skills in various competitions.
Main achievements:
honor:
ASEC Mimosa: Ligue 1 Champions (2020–21) FC Red Bull Salzburg: Austrian Bundesliga Champions (2022–23) Ivory Coast: African Nations Cup Champions (2023)
Individual:
Austria’s Bundesliga top scorer (2023–24)
Current club:
He currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg and is a key player in the Austrian Bundesliga. His performance in the domestic league has proven his ability to compete at the highest level, contributing to the team’s offensive ability and earning him recognition from fans and scouts alike.
Trophy nominations:
He was nominated for the Copa Trophy, which is given to the best player under the age of 21, in recognition of his immense talent and performance as a young soccer player who is making great strides on the world stage.
Top Shot – South African Goalkeeper #1 Ronwen Williams celebrates victory after the end of the match… (+) African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 Soccer Quarter-Finals, Cape Verde vs South Africa match, Stade Charles Conan, Yamoussoukro February 3, 2024 in Bunny. (Photo courtesy of FRANCK FIFE/AFP) (Photo courtesy of FRANCK FIFE/AFP, Getty Images)
AFP (via Getty Images)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Ronwen Williams is a famous South African goalkeeper known for his leadership, reflexes and shot-stopping ability. Throughout his football career, he became an important player for both club and country, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence and the development of South African sport.
At the 2023 AFCON, Williams’ outstanding performances, especially his remarkable penalty save, played a pivotal role in leading Bafana Bafana to their first semi-final appearance since 2000. His exceptional skill and composure under pressure earned him the honor of best goalkeeper of the competition. , further elevating its position as a key player on the international stage.
Main achievements:
honor:
Supersport United:
Nedbank Cup (2011–12, 2015–16, 2016–17) MTN 8 (2017, 2019) Telkom Knockout (2014)
Mamelodi Sundowns:
South African Premier Division (2022–23, 2023–24) African Football League (2023)
South Africa: African Cup of Nations 3rd place (2023)
Individual:
South Africa Premier Division Goalkeeper of the Season (2022-23) Africa Cup of Nations Goalkeeper of the Year (2023) Africa Cup of Nations Goalkeeper of the Tournament (2023) African Football League Goalkeeper of the Year (2023)
Current club:
Williams currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership and has been an integral part of the team’s recent success. His consistent performances in both domestic and continental competitions have cemented his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in African football.
Nominated Trophies:
He was nominated for the Yashin Trophy, which is given to the world’s best goalkeeper, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the team and the significant impact he has had on the world of football. Williams is the first African-based player to be nominated for the award.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 2: Ademola Lookmann of Atalanta Bergamo during the UEFA Champions match… (+) Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Atalanta at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on October 2, 2024・League match in Bergamo (Photo provided by Marcel Bonte/Socrates/Getty Images)
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Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Ademola Lookman is a Nigerian professional soccer player known for his speed, dribbling prowess, and versatility on the field. His ability to adapt to different offensive positions makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Lookman’s journey in English football was marked by significant growth and development, culminating in his emergence as a prominent figure in the sport.
Lookman is a key player in the Nigeria national team and has contributed greatly to their campaigns, including successful appearances in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. His consistent performance reflects his dedication to the national team and shows that he can excel in pressure situations.
Main achievements:
honor:
Atalanta: UEFA Europa League (2023-24) England U20: FIFA U-20 World Cup (2017) Nigeria: African Cup of Nations runner-up (2023)
Individual:
LFE Apprentice of the Year (Championship) (2015-16) Atalanta Player of the Season (2022-23, 2023-24) African Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament (2023) UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2023) -24) Member of the Knights of the Niger (2024)
Current club:
Lookman currently plays for Atalanta BC in Serie A, where he continues to prove his technical and goal-scoring abilities. His contribution has been crucial to Atalanta’s attacking strategy, helping the club remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
Nominated Trophies:
He has also been nominated for the Men’s Ballon d’Or, which recognizes achievements and contributions to men’s football at international level, cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 11: FIFA FIFA Ballon d’Or Trophy before the FIFA Ballon d’Or… (+) Gala 2015 on January 11, 2016 at the Congress House in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA (via Getty Images)
These players epitomize Africa’s rich football tradition as the football world looks forward to the grand ceremony to be held at Paris’ prestigious Théâtre Châtelet on October 28th. Their nominations not only highlight individual talent, but also signify increased recognition of African talent on the world stage. Regardless of the outcome, each candidate has already made history, uniting the continent with their extraordinary achievements and inspiring future generations to aspire to greatness.
