In the heart of the world’s premier financial hub, where politics and culture frequently collide, New York’s newly minted Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has pivoted from the pulpit of City Hall to the pitch of continental legends.
During a high-energy watch-along for the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, organized for the city’s vibrant African diaspora, the Ugandan-born Indian-American politician engaged in a spirited round of “Winner Stays On.” The exercise provided a rare glimpse into the intersection of Mamdani’s lifelong Arsenal fandom, his community-driven politics, and his deep-seated appreciation for African sporting excellence.
The Mane Event and the Drogba Dominance
The Mayor’s selection process began with clinical efficiency. When presented with a choice between the reigning Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen and AFCON 2025 MVP Sadio Mané, Mamdani opted for the Senegalese veteran. Mané’s tenure at the top was short-lived, however, once the name of Chelsea icon Didier Drogba entered the fray.
As a millennial Arsenal supporter, Mamdani’s choice was tinged with the “trauma” of a rival fan. Drogba, who famously netted 13 goals in 15 appearances against the Gunners, was hailed by the Mayor as an unstoppable force. The Ivorian powerhouse subsequently swept aside challenges from Samuel Eto’o and Michael Essien in Mamdani’s rankings, proving that even a political heavyweight respects the clinical finishing of a North London “nemesis.”
The Halal Influence: Salah vs. The Arsenal Bias
The tide turned when Mohamed Salah was introduced. While many would debate the merits of Salah versus Drogba based on statistics, Mamdani’s reasoning was characteristically “New York-first.” He cited the Egyptian’s cultural footprint in the city, specifically nodding to the famous “Salah Halal Truck” in Astoria, Queens, as a symbol of the forward’s community impact.
Yet, even the “Egyptian King” could not withstand the pull of nostalgia. Mamdani’s Arsenal bias emerged in full force when he discarded Salah in favor of Nwankwo Kanu. The Mayor’s loyalty to the lanky Nigerian striker and his legendary “Invincibles” era pedigree initially seemed unshakable—until the “Jay-Jay” magic arrived.
The Final Verdict: Magic, Power, and the Ballon d’Or
The bracket reached its crescendo when Jay-Jay Okocha was pitted against Kanu. In a battle of Nigerian icons, the sheer wizardry of Okocha won out. The former Bolton playmaker continued his streak by edging out midfield general John Mikel Obi and the titan of the Etihad, Yaya Touré.
However, Okocha’s “so good they named him twice” charm eventually met its match. Mamdani ultimately crowned George Weah as the definitive African great. While Weah remains the only African to have ever hoisted the Ballon d’Or, Mamdani’s endorsement went beyond the trophy cabinet. For a Mayor whose platform is built on community and grassroots empowerment, Weah’s journey from the football pitch to the Presidency of Liberia mirrors the very arc of leadership and service Mamdani controls five of the boroughs.
The Professional Nemesis Didier Drogba Scored 13 goals in 15 games against Arsenal.
The Community Icon Mohamed Salah Cultural impact in Queens (The Salah Halal Truck).
The Cult Hero Jay-Jay Okocha Preferred over Yaya Touré for pure skill.
The GOAT George Weah The Ballon d’Or standard and political trailblazer.
