Has Africa still got the men for FIFA Ballon d'or ?

Yaya Toure was the only African player shortlisted by the world's football governing body, FIFA, for this year's prestigious Ballon d'or (World's best footballer). Unlike previous years where Africa could boast of at least, two or more players from the continent nominated for the award, this year featured only one; before a final voting session would pick the final three out of the nominated 23 for the award. Let's take a look at the past, present and future of African soccer stars in relation to this award to see if Africa's still got the men. THE PAST: Gone were the days when Africa had players like Ghana's soccer maestro, Abedi Ayew 'Pele' who won loads of laurels with Marseille back in France but had little or no chance to be included in this fame because of the 'exclusion' of African players from this noble award. Players from the continent of Africa, formed the core of clubs in Europe subsequently, until the award was finally given to a certain Liberian by name George Oppong Weah in 1995 who played for AC Milan. He once did an unthinkable in footballing history as he dribbled from end to end of the field and scored a sublime goal. The era of Samuel Eto'o Fils who was once 3rd best of this award as well as Didier Drogba and Michael Essien also came by. They were constant nominees for this award though they hardly made the final three. THE PRESENT: As stated earlier, this year featured Yaya Toure who even though played an integral part for his Manchester based club, Manchester City, had little or no trophy to brag about ,following their community shield cup success over Chelsea early last season. Eyebrows have being raised about the future of African players who are touted to be world-class yet gradually fading into the skies. There are doubts if individual magicians from this part of the world could storm the global scene yet again in terms of soccer. THE FUTURE: Amidst the suddenly yet gradual decline of the quality of African talents at the world stage, there are still quite a few that leaves the African fan, something to smile about. Though it may not be soon, but it may not be too far to see some Africans rise again to the world stage especially with players like Pierre Emerick Aubemeang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund, Andre 'Dede' Ayew of Ghana and Marseille, Mohammed Salah of FC Basel and Egypt as well as Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus and Ghana fame. Lest I forget, Victor Wanyama of Kenya and Southampton. 'Ceteris parabus', these boys, even at their tender ages have established themselves uniquely for both club and national side. If consistency remains their hallmark then why not? Africa will soon have loads of nominees for subsequent years' FIFA Ballon d'or.