The Ivorian midflieder, Yaya Toure has won everything with FC Barcelona. Now with Manchester City (28 years old, 10 Premier League games in 2011/2012), he became a centerpiece of Mancini’s gameplan, helping the Citizens to lead the Premier League.
André Ayew (21, 12 Ligue 1 games this season), the young player of Olympique Marseille symbolizes the youth and the future of Ghana’s national team. He is still learning,  yet his performance as a striker in Marseille legitimate his place of contender for the African Golden Ball.

Finally, Gervinho,who just came off two huge seasons with LOSC (93 games / 36 goals) and a very convincing start to the season with his new club Arsenal (8 games / 2 goals). All three players can claim the trophy this year even though the Arsenal player who just won  a the French Ligue 1 title and the League Cup (Coupe de la Ligue)with LOSC and was also nomiated as the best Ivorian soccer player in 2011.

No doubt, this year a new African star will be elected since Samuel Eto’o (2010 African Golden Ball) won’t be able to add another Golden Ball to his trophy case. The bets are still open.