On Wednesday, September 6, France Football published the list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2023 in the men's and women's categories. The French media also revealed the lists for the Trophée Kopa, Trophée Yachine and Golden Boy. Discover all the African players nominated in the various categories.
Ballon d'Or 2023 nominees announced
The nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2023 have been announced. A list of 30 men's and 30 women's players was unveiled this Wednesday by France Football. The French magazine also revealed the nominees for the Kopa Trophy, the Yacine Trophy and the Golden Boy. While there are no African players on the shortlist for the Kopa Trophy, which rewards the best young player of the year, the black continent can be satisfied with having representatives in the other categories.
Goalkeeper of the Year: Onana and Bounou on the attack
Among the 10 nominees for the Yacine Trophy, which rewards the best goalkeeper, are André Onana and Yassine Bounou. The Cameroonian distinguished himself with Inter Milan last season, notably with their memorable run in the Champions League. As for the Atlas Lion, his historic run with Morocco to the 2022 World Cup and the Europa League postponed with Sevilla speak for themselves. Both goalkeepers will be up against strong competition. Ederson (Man City), Thibault Courtois (Real Madrid) and Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) are also named among a list of 10 goalkeepers.
🧤 — Les 10 nommés au Trophée Yachine🏆✨
Marc André ter Stegen 🇩🇪
Dominik Livaković 🇭🇷
Emiliano Martínez 🇦🇷
Thibaut Courtois 🇧🇪
Aaron Ramsdale 🏴
Mike Maignan 🇫🇷
Yassine Bounou 🇲🇦
André Onana 🇨🇲
Brice Samba 🇫🇷
Ederson 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/8fJumLCaZn— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) September 6, 2023
Women's Ballon d'Or: Asisat Oshoala alone African
In the women's category, only Asisat Oshoala has been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.The Nigerian striker is rewarded for her fine season with FC Barcelona (21 goals, 3 assists).She won the Champions League with the Catalan club and also helped her national team qualify for the Women's World Cup 2023 Round of 8.
Men's Ballon d'Or: 4 players among the 30
Mohamed Salah is a regular on this list of 30. Although Liverpool struggled last season, the Pharaoh still managed to come out on top.He scored 30 goals and dished out 16 assists in all competitions. The Egyptian striker is in the running alongside André Onana, Yassine Bounou and Victor Osimhen. The latter made his mark after guiding Napoli to their 3rd Italian league title.
The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals in Serie A. His exceptional performances have propelled him to the top of the list of the 30 best players in the world. Both goalkeepers are also in the running for the Yashin Trophy. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on October 30.
🌍Quatre africains à savoir : Yassine Bounou🇲🇦, André Onana 🇨🇲, Mohamed Salah 🇪🇬, Victor Osimhen 🇳🇬 parmi les 30 nominés pour le Ballon d’Or 🏆✨
Une dans la catégorie féminine (Asisat Oshola🇳🇬)👑#Sna #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/ids0DAMv4N
— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) September 6, 2023
