Dwindling Trends In Africa

Ademola Lookman was the highest-ranked African player, with the Super Eagles forward finishing in 14th place in the just-held Ballon d’Or Awards that saw Rodri emerge winner. Africans continue to struggle at these awards. 1995 will not be forgotten in a hurry. It was the last and only time an African player had won the award. Liberia's George Weah, currently President of his country, pipped Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann and Finland's Jari Litmanen to become the first African player to be named Ballon d’Or. After that, Africa was forced to wait for 27 years for another podium finish. Senegal’s Sadio Mané was second when Karim Benzema won in 2022. In that year. Mohamed Salah of Egypt came fifth.
For a continent that has produced greats like Samuel Eto'o, Mohamed Salah, Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and many others, it surely can't be lack of talent as one of the reasons. Samuel Eto’o finished fifth in 2009. Salah has arguably been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent seasons, but even with his talent and achievements, the best he has gotten is fifth-place (twice). 
This year, Nigeria's Ademola Lookman was the only African who made it into the 30-man shortlist. The Atalanta forward eventually finished in 14th place after helping his club win the Europa League. Pundits believe more should be done to hype and boost the profile and image of African players. Africans, to some, struggl...