Nigerian Stars Chiamaka Nnadozie, Madugu Named in 2025 Ballon d’Or Shortlist

Nigeria has once again made the spotlight as the 2025 Ballon d’Or nomination lists unveiled on Thursday named Chiamaka Nnadozie and Justine Madugu in the shortlist of their respective categories.

Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ shot-stopper who recently secured a high-profile transfer from Paris FC to Brighton & Hove Albion, has been nominated for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy. The 24-year-old joins a competitive shortlist that includes Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar.

Meanwhile, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu earned a place in the Women’s Team Coach of the Year category. His impressive guiding of Nigeria to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph has earned widespread recognition. Madugu is notably the only black nominee in the category, facing competition from Renée Slegers, Sarina Wiegman, Sonia Bompastor, and Arthur Elias.

The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on September 22, 2025, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Among the front-runners for the Men’s Ballon d’Or are Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Mohamed Salah. Dembélé currently leads the race after an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, capped by a historic Champions League triumph in Munich, where PSG thrashed Inter Milan, along with a domestic treble.

Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha also impressed throughout a domestic treble under new manager Hansi Flick, although their early Champions League exit may dampen their chances. Meanwhile, Salah, who was an early contender due to Liverpool’s Premier League title win, saw his odds slip after missing out on other major trophies.

The full list of the men and women Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees is revealed ahead of the September ceremony.

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