The winner of the 2019 Ballon d’Or will be revealed this Monday evening in Paris, and across Africa, millions of fans are hoping the prestigious award will finally return to the continent through Senegal’s Sadio Mané. After a remarkable year filled with collective and individual success, the Liverpool star has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for football’s most coveted individual honor. Yet, as anticipation builds, persistent rumors circulating over the weekend have cast doubt on his chances, tempering the growing optimism.
Mané’s 2019 season has been nothing short of exceptional. The Senegalese forward played a decisive role in Liverpool’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League, helping the English club secure their sixth European title. His pace, determination, and clinical finishing made him one of the standout performers throughout the campaign. Domestically, he continued to shine in the Premier League, finishing as joint top scorer and proving himself one of the most consistent attackers in England. On the international stage, he also led Senegal to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, further strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.
Such achievements have naturally inspired widespread support. In Senegal and beyond, former players, fans, and football figures have rallied behind him. Compatriots Habib Beye and Diomansy Kamara have repeatedly voiced their backing, encouraging voters to recognize Mané’s accomplishments and the impact he has had on both club and country. The excitement has reached such levels that, in his homeland, some schools are already preparing celebrations in anticipation of a historic victory. For many Africans, a Mané triumph would symbolize not only personal success but also continental pride.
However, the path to the Ballon d’Or is never straightforward. Mané faces stiff competition from some of the biggest names in world football. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk are all strong candidates with impressive seasons of their own. Each has left a significant mark on the year, making the race particularly difficult to predict.
In recent days, speculation has intensified around Messi. Reports suggest that the Argentine star could claim yet another Ballon d’Or, which would mark the sixth of his illustrious career. Messi enjoyed a stellar year himself, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona while also securing the European Golden Shoe as the continent’s top scorer. If confirmed, his victory would extend his record and once again place him at the summit of world football.
For Africa, such an outcome would be a disappointment. The continent has waited more than two decades for another Ballon d’Or winner since Liberia’s George Weah made history in 1995. Since then, several African stars have come close, but none have managed to lift the trophy. Mané represents the latest and perhaps strongest hope to break that long drought.
With only hours remaining before the announcement, the suspense continues to grow. Whatever the final result, one thing is certain: Sadio Mané’s extraordinary year has already earned admiration and respect, and Africa will remain immensely proud of its star forward.
