Following an eventful African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2023, attention now shifts to the race for the 2024 African Ballon d’Or. Who will follow in Victor Osimhen’s footsteps and claim the coveted title? Africa Sports brings you the front-runners after this intense continental competition.
Ivory Coast pulled off a surprise by winning the 2023 AFCON against Nigeria with a 2-1 victory, thanks to two decisive assists from Simon Adingra, who has had a perfect season at Brighton. Naturally, the young Ivorian international, trained in Benin, is in the running for his first African Ballon d’Or.
However, Simon Adingra faces stiff competition from other African stars who, although they may not have made a significant impact during the AFCON 2023, have shone during the first half of the club season. This includes Mohamed Salah, who is in stellar form at Liverpool, leading the Premier League standings with his goals. Then there’s the reigning winner, Victor Osimhen, who continues to impress with Napoli. The Nigerian striker, a finalist at the 2023 AFCON, is currently the favorite for the award.
He is followed by Mohamed Salah, with Simon Adingra completing the podium. Odilon Kossounou and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen are in 4th and 12th place, respectively. Mohamed Kudus of Ghana, playing for West Ham, is 6th, while Serhou Guirassy from Guinea is 5th after a thunderous first half of the season in the Bundesliga. William Paul Troost-Ekong, named the best player of the 2023 AFCON, is 7th in this ranking of favorites for the 2024 African Ballon d’Or following the tournament.
African Ballon d’Or 2024: Who will succeed Osimhen after the 2023 AFCON?
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
The talented Nigerian striker, a finalist at the 2023 AFCON with Nigeria, leads the favorites after his outstanding performances for Nigeria and with Napoli in Serie A and the Champions League.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Undoubtedly a major figure in African football, Mohamed Salah continues to dazzle with his performances at Liverpool, where he plays a key role in the Reds’ Premier League dominance. His only setback was an injury that sidelined him from Egypt’s final matches at the AFCON 2023 and the Champions League with Liverpool.
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)
The breakout star of the AFCON 2023, Simon Adingra, was the main architect of Ivory Coast’s victory. His remarkable performances with Brighton earn him a spot among the favorites.
Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast)
The solid Bayer Leverkusen defender, Odilon Kossounou, has impressed with his consistency and assurance both at the club and with Ivory Coast at the AFCON 2023, placing him among the serious contenders for the African Ballon d’Or.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
The Bundesliga has unveiled an exceptional talent in Serhou Guirassy, whose outstanding club performances have garnered international attention.
Mohamed Kudus (Ghana)
The rising star of Ghanaian football, Mohamed Kudus, has made a mark with West Ham in the Premier League, solidifying his status as a contender for the African Ballon d’Or. Despite the Black Stars’ group stage exit, he managed to be among the top scorers after just 2 matches.
William Paul Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)
Named the best player of the AFCON 2023, William Paul Troost-Ekong played a crucial role in Nigeria’s campaign, bolstering his candidacy for the African Ballon d’Or.
Victor Boniface (Nigeria)
The young Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, has caught attention with his impressive club performances, earning him a well-deserved spot among the favorites for the African Ballon d’Or.
Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast)
The versatile midfielder, Franck Kessié, was a pillar for Ivory Coast at the AFCON 2023, and his consistent performances with Al Ahli place him among the serious contenders for the African Ballon d’Or.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Ademola Lookman has impressed with his versatility and contribution to his club’s success. He was also the top scorer for the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2023, earning him a spot in the top 10 favorites for the African Ballon d’Or.
The Top 15 Favorites for the 2024 African Ballon d’Or
| Rank | Name | Country |
| 1 | Victor Osimhen | Nigéria |
| 2 | Mohamed Salah | Egypte |
| 3 | Simon Adingra | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 4 | Odilon Kossonou | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 5 | Serhou Guirassy | Guinée |
| 6 | Mohamed Kudus | Ghana |
| 7 | William Paul Troost-Ekong | Nigéria |
| 8 | Victor Boniface | Nigéria |
| 9 | Franck Kessié | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 10 | Ademola Lookman | Nigéria |
| 11 | Achraf Hakimi | Maroc |
| 12 | Edmond Tapsoba | Burkina Faso |
| 13 | Pape Matar Sarr | Sénégal |
| 14 | Obite Evan Ndicka | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 15 | Yoane Wissa | RDC |
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