2005 Ballon d'Or: When Michael Essien of Chelsea Made Ghana Proud
- A boy from Ghana’s capital ended up on football’s most prestigious shortlist that stunned the world in 2005
- Michael Essien made the list and made history by becoming only the third African footballer to be recognised by the game's experts
- The former Black Stars midfield maestro scored 25 goals in 256 games in all competitions for Premier League giants Chelsea
In 2005, Ghanaian midfield powerhouse Michael Essien etched his name into football history by earning a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d'Or. This moment was a proud milestone for Ghanaian and African football.
Essien’s rise to global recognition came during a season that showcased his tenacity, versatility, and raw talent. His inclusion among the best players in the world was a defining moment for Ghana, inspiring millions and putting the West African nation on the global football map.
Source: Getty Images
At the time, Michael Essien had just completed a sensational move from Olympique Lyonnais in France to Chelsea FC in England for a then-record African transfer fee of £24.4 million, according to the BBC.
His performances in Ligue 1 were legendary. According to Wikipedia, Essien was voted the 2004/05 French league's Player of the Year. But his transition to the Premier League, arguably the most competitive league in the world, was seamless.
The former Liberty Professionals player, who recently shared an iconic moment with Cristiano Ronaldo, quickly became a key player for José Mourinho’s Chelsea side, combining strength, intelligence, and skill to dominate midfield battles.
Essien, who shone at Lyon alongside Mahamadou Diarra and Juninho Pernambucano, later became a key figure in Chelsea’s formidable midfield trio with Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, and Lassana Diarra, with Mikel Obi not long ago paying a glowing tribute to the Ghanaian.
Essien nominated for 2005 Ballon d'Or
When the Ballon d'Or shortlist was announced, Essien, who made 256 appearances and scored 25 goals for Chelsea, was one of only three African players to make the cut.
He eventually finished 22nd out of 50 nominees, receiving one vote from 52 football experts across the globe.
Although he didn’t win, just being on that list was a monumental achievement. For a player who hails from Ghana, where world-class football infrastructure was still developing, Essien's recognition was a beacon of hope.
More than just a footballer, the ex-Real Madrid player became a symbol of national pride. His nomination excited lots of Ghanaians, who celebrated one of their own being honoured among global icons like Ronaldinho (2005 Ballon d'Or winner), Thierry Henry, and Paolo Maldini.
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Essien’s nomination in 2005 placed him in elite company. He stood alongside African legends Samuel Eto’o, who finished 10th after a prolific season with Barcelona, and Didier Drogba, his Chelsea teammate, who finished joint 14th.
For African football, their presence on the Ballon d’Or list was a big win, and for Ghana in particular, Essien’s achievement was a trailblazing moment.
2025 Ballon d'Or favourites
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on the list of favourite players to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or ahead of the official shortlist unveiling on Thursday, August 7.
FC Barcelona's talented youngster Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain's offensive asset Ousmane Dembele are widely seen as the two main contenders for this year's award.
Source: YEN.com.gh
