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Ballon d’Or: Ranking the Top 10 Nigerian Footballers in History

Since the Ballon d’Or began, nine Nigerian players have earned nominations. Let’s explore how high these stars have placed in the prestigious rankings over the years.

Ademola Lookman joined this elite group in 2024 after a standout season with Atalanta, where he led the team to win the Europa League and became the first player to score a hat-trick in a single-legged European final.

Nigeria has produced many gifted footballers who have made waves internationally, and some have been recognized with Ballon d’Or nominations, highlighting their achievements on the world stage.

Top 10 Highest-Ranked Nigerian Footballers in Ballon d’Or History

  • Victor Osimhen (2023) - 8th place, 24 votesOsimhen set a record in 2023 as the highest-ranking Nigerian ever in the Ballon d’Or. That year, he helped Napoli clinch their first Serie A title in 33 years, earned the league’s top scorer award with 26 goals, and scored five times during Napoli’s run to the Champions League quarterfinals.
  • Nwankwo Kanu (1996) - 11th place, 14 votesKanu was the first Nigerian nominated twice for the Ballon d’Or. His 1996 nomination celebrated his role in Nigeria’s Olympic gold victory, including scoring crucial late goals against Brazil in the semifinals, and being part of Ajax’s UEFA Champions League final appearance that year.
  • Asisat Oshoala (2022) - 16th place, 4 votesOshoala made history as the second Nigerian nominated twice. Her 2022 nod came after leading Barcelona to the Primera División title and finishing as the league’s top scorer, also helping win the Supercopa de España Femenina and Copa de la Reina.
  • Asisat Oshoala (2023) - 20th place, 7 votesIn 2023, Oshoala became the first Nigerian woman nominated two years in a row. She achieved a treble with Barcelona by winning the league, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa de España Femenina, while leading Nigeria to the round of 16 at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
  • Finidi George (1995) - 21st place, 6 votesFinidi was the first Nigerian to break into the Ballon d’Or top 30, thanks to his outstanding role in Ajax’s historic season where they won the UEFA Champions League, Eredivisie, Johan Cruijff Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup.
  • Nwankwo Kanu (1999) - 23rd place, 2 votesKanu earned his second nomination after joining Arsenal, where his performances garnered him not only a Ballon d’Or nod but also African Footballer of the Year awards from CAF and BBC.
  • Victor Ikpeba (1997) - 32nd place, 2 votesKnown as the Prince of Monaco, Ikpeba’s impressive 1997 season helped AS Monaco win Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions. He scored 13 league goals and was second top scorer in the UEFA Cup that season.
  • Sunday Oliseh (1998) - Nominated, did not enter top 30, no votesOliseh was recognized for his key role in Ajax’s Eredivisie and KNVB Cup wins and memorable World Cup goal against Spain in 1998.
  • Daniel Amokachi (1995) - Nominated, did not enter top 30, no votesAmokachi was among three Nigerians nominated in 1995. His crucial goals helped Everton win the FA Cup, including a self-substitution moment in the semifinal.
  • Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) - Nominated, did not enter top 30, no votesOkocha caught global attention with his skillful play at Eintracht Frankfurt, earning a Ballon d’Or nomination despite strong European competition.

Although the Ballon d’Or often favors European players, these Nigerian talents have made their mark, showing skill and dedication on the international scene.

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