- Michael Essien’s Ballon d’Or nod caught the football world’s attentio, as one Ghana’s proudest moment on the global stage
- The iconic box-to-box midefielder’s record-breaking move to Chelsea made him a Premier League legend overnight
- Only three Africans made the 2005 Ballon d’Or list, including two other exceptional footballers from Francophone Africa
In 2005, Ghanaian midfield star Michael Essien carved out a historic moment for himself and African football when he was shortlisted for the coveted Ballon d’Or.
His nomination stood as a proud achievement, highlighting Ghana’s growing influence on the global football stage.
Source: Getty Images
Essien’s recognition came at the height of a breakthrough year that displayed his grit, versatility, and world-class quality.
His place among football’s finest elevated his own caree and inspired a generation of young players in Ghana and across Africa.
That year also marked a turning point in Essien’s career, as he completed a record-breaking £24.4 million transfer from French giants Olympique Lyonnais to Chelsea FC, then managed by José Mourinho, as cited by the BBC.
According to Wikipedia records, Essien’s heroics in Ligue 1 had already seen him crowned the 2004/05 French Player of the Year, and he adapted to the Premier League with ease, proving his worth in one of football’s most demanding environments.
At Chelsea, the former Liberty Professionals player quickly established himself as an engine in midfield, forming a dominant partnership with the likes of Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, and later, Mikel Obi.
His blend of power, tactical awareness, and technical ability made him indispensable, much like his earlier role at Lyon alongside Mahamadou Diarra and Juninho Pernambucano.
Source: UGC
Ballon d’Or 2005: Michael Essien finished 22nd
When France Football unveiled the 2005 Ballon d’Or shortlist, Essien was one of just three Africans nominated. He ultimately placed 22nd out of 50, with one vote from the panel of 52 international journalists.
While he didn’t claim the award, the nomination of Michael Essien alone was a remarkable feat, especially for a player from Ghana, a nation still building its football infrastructure at the time.
For many Ghanaians, Essien’s recognition was more than personal glory; it was a moment of national pride. To see him listed among legends such as Ronaldinho (the eventual winner), Thierry Henry, and Paolo Maldini was a powerful symbol of progress.
Essien’s inclusion also reflected a golden period for African football. He joined Samuel Eto’o, who finished 10th after a stellar season with Barcelona, and Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba, who came in joint 14th.
Together, they carried the continent’s hopes and showcased Africa’s growing presence at the top of the sport.
Essien’s 2005 Ballon d’Or nod remains one of Ghana’s proudest football milestones—a moment that celebrated not just his brilliance, but the promise of African talent on the world stage.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is set to be unveiled during Monday’s gala in Paris, with Ousmane Dembele widely predicted to be victorious ahead of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Why Essien is Ghana’s finest midfielder
In an earlier feature, YEN.com.gh explored why Michael Essien is widely regarded as Ghana’s greatest-ever central midfielder, surpassing stars like Stephen Appiah, Sulley Ali Muntari, and Mubarak Wakaso.
His consistency, versatility, and impact at both club and international level set him apart as a true legend.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
