- 22 African nations join Ballon d’Or 2025 vote.
- New FIFA rule boosts Africa’s Ballon d’Or influence.
- Africa steps up in world football rankings.
In a move to enhance the integrity of the Ballon d’Or selection process, France Football—the organization behind football’s most coveted individual award has overhauled its voting criteria.
Only countries ranked within FIFA’s top 100 can now participate in the vote.
That tweak alone has opened the door for 22 African nations to have their say in who takes home the golden ball.
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This is not just a procedural update- it is a strong nod to Africa’s growing presence and reputation in global football.
These 22 countries are not just filling up numbers.
Their inclusion is a reflection of consistent international performances and rising influence on the global stage.
The 22 Eligible African Countries
Here is the full list of African nations now eligible to vote for the Ballon d’Or under the new system:
Morocco
Senegal
Egypt
Algeria
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Tunisia
Cameroon
Mali
South Africa
DR Congo
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Ghana
Gabon
Guinea
Angola
Zambia
Uganda
Equatorial Guinea
Benin Republic
Mozambique
Why This Matters: More Than Just Numbers
France Football says the overhaul is meant to “boost the credibility and competitiveness” of the award.
Also Read: 2025 Ballon d’Or: UEFA Announces New Voting Criteria
By limiting votes to the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, the organizers are ensuring that those who weigh in are active players on the international stage.
It is a quality-over-quantity approach, meant to tighten the voting pool and reward countries that have shown consistency in global competitions.
And for Africa, this is not only for recognition but also for validation.
For years, African players have been among the best in the world, and now their home nations get a voice in one of football’s biggest honors.
Africa’s Influence Is Rising—and This Confirms It
Africa’s football evolution has been impossible to ignore.
From Morocco’s historic World Cup run to Senegal’s AFCON triumph and the consistent brilliance of nations like Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt, the continent has become a force to reckon with.
With 22 countries now contributing to the outcome of the Ballon d’Or, the continent’s role in shaping football’s narrative just got a major boost.
What This Means Going Forward
This change does not just affect how the Ballon d’Or is decided.
It subtly shifts the power balance in global football media and representation.
When African countries vote, they bring regional insight, local passion, and a different lens through which talent is evaluated.
Expect some surprises in upcoming ballots and maybe a few long-overdue nods to African brilliance on the field.
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