Ballon d’Or Series – Eusébio In 1965, the “Black Panther” became football’s first Black Ballon d’Or winner. Born in Mozambique, Eusébio’s 48 goals for Benfica and World Cup heroics with Portugal made him a global icon and a timeless symbol of excellence.

Carlos Bernardes, Brazil’s Gold Badge chair umpire, officiated iconic matches from Federer–Nadal to Wimbledon and the Olympics. Despite clashes with Nadal, he earned respect worldwide. After a heart attack in 2021, he returned before retiring in 2024, closing a 40-year career across 100 countries.

Faith Thomas, the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in cricket, played one Test in 1958 but left a legacy far beyond numbers. A nurse and midwife, she served remote communities and inspired generations. She died in 2023 at 90, a pioneer whose impact continues to resonate.

Allyson Felix challenged Nike’s treatment of pregnant athletes in 2019, refusing a 70% pay cut. Her stand forced Nike to adopt maternity protections, sparked industry-wide change, and proved that motherhood and excellence can coexist. She returned to win her 10th Olympic medal as a mother.

Stuart Scott transformed ESPN with catchphrases like “Boo-yah” and a voice shaped by hip-hop and culture. For two decades he made sports broadcasting authentic and inclusive. He passed in 2015 at 49, but his legacy endures as a reminder that authenticity can change an industry.

Darren Lewis, Senior Sports Analyst at CNN and longtime Mirror journalist, is one of Britain’s most respected football voices. From the Football Black List to President-elect of the Sports Journalists’ Association, he champions diversity, justice, and the deeper culture of the game.

William C. Rhoden, veteran journalist and author of Forty Million Dollar Slaves, has shown for decades that sport mirrors America’s struggles with race and power. From the New York Times to mentoring young Black writers, he’s chronicled, challenged, and shaped the future of sports journalism.

Carolyn Peck made history in 1999 as the first Black woman to coach a team to the NCAA women’s basketball championship with Purdue. Later a WNBA coach & broadcaster, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Hakeem Olajuwon, born in Lagos , redefined the NBA center. From “The Dream” at Houston to 2 NBA titles & 12 All-Stars, he became a pioneer for African players. His journey opened the door for stars like Embiid & Giannis.

20 years before Kaepernick, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem calling the flag a “symbol of oppression.” The NBA blackballed him, but he never regretted it: “I stood on principles. That’s worth more than wealth and fame.”

From Accra to Paris, Milan & London Marcel Desailly rose from Ghana to World & Euro champion with France. The first to win back-to-back UCL titles with different clubs, 116 caps for Les Bleus, and a leader who gave football everything and gave back to Ghana in return.

Brazil banned women’s football for 38 years (1941–79). Players resisted in secret. From Formiga to Marta, their fight turned silence into 8 Copa América titles, 2 Olympic silvers & equal pay. 📷 Jornal Estado de Minas, 1959 / Museu do Futebol

Suriname’s top talents play for other nations — not by choice, but by law. A ban on dual citizenship still blocks a generation from representing their roots. While others embrace their diaspora, Suriname watches from the sidelines. Talent isn’t the issue. Policy is.

Segun Odegbami: The “Mathematical” Legend AFCON 1980 champion, Shooting Stars icon & football genius. More than a player—an economist, activist & mentor shaping future generations. #SegunOdegbami #AFCON1980 #FootballLegend #NigerianGreat

Malcolm Marshall, a fast-bowling legend, dominated cricket with blistering speed & deadly swing. At just 5’9”, he took 376 Test wickets in 81 matches. Known for his fearless 1984 heroics, he later coached & shaped future stars. ICC Hall of Fame 2009—his legacy is unmatched. #WestIndiesCricket

Simon Tahamata, born in 1956, became the first Moluccan football star, winning titles with Ajax and representing the Dutch 22 times.A role model for his community, he used his platform to highlight their struggles, supporting activists during the 1977 train hijacking and standing for Moluccan pride.

In 1960, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won the Olympic marathon barefoot, becoming the first black African to win gold. After his shoes caused blisters, he ran barefoot, setting a world record. Four years later, at the Tokyo Olympics, he broke his own record, cementing his place in history.

Ruud Gullit, one of the 1980s’ greatest footballers, used his platform to fight apartheid. In 1987, he dedicated his Ballon d’Or to Nelson Mandela, raising awareness of his imprisonment.

Coco Gauff, the first American teen to win the US Open since Serena Williams, is carving her own legacy. In 2024, she became the highest-paid female athlete, inspiring young female athletes worldwide. 🎾👑

Marta Vieira da Silva, the Queen of Football, rose from humble beginnings in Brazil, overcoming challenges to become a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year and a symbol of hope for young female athletes.

In 1995, George Weah became the first African national to win the Ballon d'Or, a historic moment that challenged perceptions of African footballers and proved that talent knows no borders.

George Weah, the football legend and Liberia's president, rose from poverty in Clara Town. After an impressive career in Europe, he became a UNICEF ambassador, ran for president, and ultimately inspired many with his resilience and vision for economic empowerment.