Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior captured the hearts of African football fans this year, emerging as the continent’s top pick for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or. According to poll results published by France Football, the Brazilian star was a clear favorite across much of Africa, though he ultimately finished in second place overall, with Spain’s Rodri taking home the title of the world’s best male footballer.
Rodri’s win was announced during a high-profile ceremony in Paris, an event that saw minimal presence from Real Madrid, despite the club having multiple players nominated. Although Rodri received the top honor, Vinicius’s immense popularity across Africa stood out, with countries including Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, and Senegal voting decisively in his favor. Only Gabon, Ghana, and South Africa cast their ballots for Rodri.
In total, 22 African journalists contributed to the voting process, and 12 of them ranked Vinicius as their number one pick, underscoring his significant fanbase across the continent. The Ballon d’Or winner is determined by a panel of 100 journalists representing FIFA’s top-ranked nations, with each journalist ranking their top five selections from a list of 30 standout players.
Vinicius’s standing in Africa reflects not only his skill on the field but also his growing influence as an icon of global football. While Rodri’s achievement highlights his own incredible performance, especially with Manchester City, the African fans’ support for Vinicius speaks to the Brazilian’s widespread popularity.
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The 2024 Ballon d’Or Rankings:
1. Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
2. Vinicius Jr. (Brazil, Real Madrid)
3. Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
4. Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
5. Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
6. Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain)
7. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
8. Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
9. Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)
10. Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
Additional notable entries include Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, who landed in 14th place, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, representing England, who was ranked 21st.
The Ballon d’Or Legacy in African Football
This year’s Ballon d’Or results showcase the diverse support for top football talent across Africa and highlight the continent’s close connection to players like Vinicius Junior. As football continues to unite fans worldwide, African audiences play a significant role in supporting and celebrating players who resonate with them, a trend that was clearly reflected in this year’s voting outcomes.
With France Football continuing to orchestrate this prestigious event, the annual Ballon d’Or poll remains a powerful indicator of global football’s reach and influence, showcasing the fans’ choices across different regions and their unique preferences in celebrating the sport’s finest.
