When will Africa get its next Ballon d’Or winner?
News
Africa has only ever had one Ballon d’Or winner, and the wait for someone to emulate George Weah is likely to be extended further after this year’s nominations were revealed.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Senegal forward Sadio Mane are the continent’s two names on the 30-strong list.
Both players have previously recorded top-six Ballon d’Or finishes but, after a year in which Spain lifted the Fifa World Cup and Kylian Mbappe netted 10 goals to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer, the chances of the Paris St-Germain right-back or the Al-Nassr winger lifting the coveted trophy appear slim.
Details
And it is not the first time that Africa has failed to make a big impact.
Part of the reason for the historic lack of success is down to the fact the award, which was first handed out by France Football magazine in 1956, was not open to players representing non-European nations until 1995.
That was the year that Liberian striker Weah scooped the prize after his impressive form for PSG and AC Milan.
Analysis
How is the Ballon d’Or winner decided?
Favourite Kane makes Ballon d’Or shortlist
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