Adekunle Gold Shines at Ballon d’Or Night in Paris
The Ballon d’Or has long been a stage where football meets art, and this year’s event at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris was no different.
Nigeria’s presence was once again felt. In 2023, singer Rema thrilled the audience with his hit Calm Down, while footballers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were nominated. This time, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie finished 4th in the Women’s Yacine Trophy, while coach Justine Madugu missed out on the Coach of the Year prize, which went to England’s Sarina Wiegman.
Music also played its part again, with Afrobeats star Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, gracing the red carpet. The 38-year-old, a known Manchester United supporter, arrived in a tuxedo and was spotted greeting Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk before the show began. He was also seen in conversation with Maria Guardiola, the daughter of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Adekunle Gold’s growing connection with football is no surprise, as many players enjoy Afrobeats in dressing rooms and share it across social media. Van Dijk himself has been seen vibing to Fireboy DML, Burna Boy, and Asake.
The singer, who recently celebrated his new single Bobo at the Empire State Building in New York ahead of his upcoming album Fuji, has also attended several Manchester United matches. Not long ago, he was spotted enjoying time with Victor Osimhen and former United star Patrice Evra in Turkiye.
