Felicia Udeji Reporting
In a shocking move, reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala has been omitted from the 30-player shortlist for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or. Despite her impressive achievements, including winning the treble with Barcelona Feminino and representing Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Oshoala was overlooked by the selection committee.
The snub is even more surprising given Oshoala’s record-breaking sixth win as African Women’s Footballer of the Year, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
Only two African players made the cut: Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga and Zambia’s Barbara Banda.
Chawinga, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain in the French Division 1 Féminine, is known for her pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability. She has been one of the top scorers in the French league for several seasons and has also been a key player for the Malawi women’s national team.
Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, is known for her speed, agility, and finishing ability. She has been one of the top scorers in the NWSL for several seasons and has also been a key player for the Zambia women’s national team.
The list is dominated by European players, with a staggering 23 representatives from the continent.
The exclusion of Oshoala and other talented African players raises questions about the selection process and the lack of representation for African women’s football.
Here is the full list of nominees for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or:
1. Lauren Hemp – Man City
2. Trinity Rodman – Washington Spirit
3. Barbra Banda – Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride
4. Tarciane Lime – Houston Dash
5. Manuela Giugliano – Roma
6. Mallory Swanson – Chicago Red Stars
7. Glodis Viggosdottir – Bayern Munich
8. Mariona Caldentey – Barcelona/Arsenal
9. Lauren James – Chelsea
10. Patricia Guijarro – Barcelona
11. Lea Schuller – Bayern Munich
12. Gabi Portilho – Corinthians
13. Tabitha Chawinga – PSG
14. Caroline Graham Hansen – Barcelona
15. Lindsey Horan – Lyon
16. Lucy Bronze – Barcelona/Chelsea
17. Yui Hasegawa – Man City
18. Ada Hegerberg – Lyon
19. Sjoeke Nusken – Chelsea
20. Aitana Bonmati – Barcelona
21. Alex Putellas – Barcelona
22. Grace Geyoro – PSG
23. Khadija Shaw – Man City
24. Guilia Gwinn – Bayern Munich
25. Salma Paralluelo – Barcelona
26. Ewa Pajor – Wolfsburg/Barcelona
27. Sophie Smith – Portland Thorns
28. Marie-Antoinette Katoto – PSG
29. Mayra Ramirez – Chelsea
30. Alyssa Naeher – Chicago Red Stars