Eto’o backs Guirassy for Ballon d'Or nomination, slams bias against African players

Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto'o has spoken out in support of Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy after the striker returned to the top of the UEFA Champions League's scoring chart last week.

The Guinean forward is enjoying a superb season with the German outfit and many football experts believe he deserves a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. Former FC Barcelona and Cameroon national team star Eto'o passionately told Canal+ Sport that Guirassy is not receiving the recognition he deserves.

“There is an African player who is currently the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League. He deserves to be among the Ballon d'Or contenders. But with the mentality Europeans have towards African players in Europe, it is absolutely unfair and disappointing,” said the ex-Barcelona and Inter striker.

Eto'o's sentiments have been echoed by many African football fans who, over the years, have criticized global awards for neglecting African players. The last African to win the Ballon d'Or was Liberian legend George Weah in 1995. Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been tipped to win the award in 2025 but his team’s early Champions League exit has significantly hurt his chances.

Guirassy has scored 16 Bundesliga goals for the Yellow and Black, currently placing him third in the league's scoring chart. He also tops the Champions League goal chart with 13 goals in 14 appearances after a stunning hat-trick against Barcelona. The striker is widely praised for his reading of the game, link-up play, and clinical finishing.