France Football, the organizers of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, has unveiled a significant overhaul of its voting system that now includes 22 African countries among those eligible to cast votes for the 2025 edition.

Under the new regulations, only nations ranked within FIFA's top 100 will have voting privileges, a move that reinforces Africa's growing influence and relevance in global football.

African Nations Making the Cut

The 22 African countries that have secured voting eligibility include continental powerhouses such as Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. These nations, currently positioned within FIFA's top 100 rankings, will now have a direct say in determining who wins football's most coveted individual honor.

Other African nations granted voting rights include Tunisia, Cameroon, Mali, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Republic, and Mozambique.

This development marks a significant milestone for African football, as the continent's representation in the Ballon d'Or voting process reflects its increasing prominence and competitive strength on the world stage.

Implications for African Football

The inclusion of these 22 African nations in the voting process not only acknowledges their improved FIFA rankings but also potentially increases the visibility of African players in the race for football's most prestigious individual award.

With several African stars currently performing at elite levels in Europe's top leagues, this revised voting system could provide greater recognition for the continent's talent in future Ballon d'Or considerations.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is expected to generate significant interest across Africa, with the continent's football journalists now having a more substantial collective voice in determining the winner.