Despite an exceptional season, Serhou Guirassy is not among the finalists for the 2025 African Ballon d’Or. CAF selected Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah as finalists, leaving the Guinean striker at the door of the distinction.
His brother’s reaction on the networks did not go unnoticed: “Fucking shame, not in the top 3. Top scorer in the Champions League, top scorer in the Club World Cup, top African scorer of the year 2025, 21st for the Ballon d’Or, nominated for the FIFA best striker award and 2nd top scorer in the Bundesliga…” A message which reflects a incomprehension widely shared by Guinean supporters.
It’s hard to prove him wrong: Guirassy was on track for the year 2025. Serial scorer with Dortmund, dominating on the European and world stages, he put in a string of very high-level performances. His presence in the top 3 seemed almost certain.
On what criteria?
This sidelining revives a recurring debate: should we favor individual statistics or the collective record? Guirassy hasn’t won a major title with Dortmund this season, and that seems to have taken its toll. But for many, his stratospheric numbers were enough to legitimize a place in the final trio.
The affair provokes a feeling of injustice: how can such a decisive, rewarded and constant player be excluded from a podium supposed to distinguish the best Africans of the year?
