Ballon d'Or: Rodri Trophy Saga And Why Has Africa's Talents Remained Overlooked?

 

The 68th edition of the Ballon d'Or Awards ceremony, which took place in Paris on Monday night witnessed a stunning upset as Rodri edged out Vinicius Jr. to claim the coveted award. While Rodri's impressive season with Manchester City deserved recognition, the snub sparked debate about the voting process, and more pressing, the enduring drought of African footballers winning the trophy.

Rodri winning the individual trophy quickly drew criticism of the process used by the organisers, even ahead of the ceremony, Real had protested not to attend for fears that their star player, Vinicius will be overlooked. The Brazilian player later broke his silence, wrote in protest to his snub one of his picture updates on X, "...They are not ready."

The Spaniard can be applauded for his goal-scoring prowess and making crucial assists, coupled with his crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, which might be factors that were in his favour to emerge as the Ballon d'Or winner. Howver, for Vinicius Jr., despite his outstanding displays in 2023/2024, including winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, he was ranked in second place.

As everyone celebrates Rodri's achievement and commiserate with Vinicius Jr., a more profound question lingers,why has the Ballon d'Or eluded African footballers since George Weah's historic win in 1995?

Unraveling the enigma factors behind Africa's Ballon d'Or drought can be because African leagues and tournaments struggle to penetrate the global sports media landscape, Inadequate training facilities, funding and resources stifle player's development and the predominantly European voting panel often favors familiar names.

Ademola Lookman comes surprising as the highest-ranked African player, after an exceptional year that saw him score 11 goals with seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta. He is the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, and at the end of the day, the Super Eagles forward was ranked in 14th place.

In an exclusive interview with Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o, he told AFP that's African players still do not get the recognition they deserve, looking at a continent that has produced greats like Nwankwo Kanu, Augustine Jay-jay Okacha, Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and many others, it surely can't be lack of talent. 

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez the exceptional players who have conquered the European stage remain overlooked by the Ballon d'Or voters.

Although, the Ballon d'Or Award is an individual and a symbolic award in football. As we reflect on Rodri's 2024 Ballon d'Or win, it is fair not to forget the overlooked brilliance of African footballers.