Ballon d’Or: List of Nigerian players who have made shortlist for award
Several Nigerian players have been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in the past. However, none of them has won the ultimate individual prize in football. Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen holds the record for the highest finish by a Nigerian in the men’s Ballon d’Or, with his eighth-place finish in 2023. Finidi George was among the […] Ballon d’Or: List of Nigerian players who have made…
Nigerian footballers have been on the shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in the past, yet no player from the country has ever claimed the top individual prize. Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen currently holds the record for the highest ranking achieved by a Nigerian in the men’s Ballon d’Or, securing eighth place in 2023.
Finidi George marked the first time a Nigerian earned a Ballon d’Or nomination, achieving a 21st-place finish in 1995. Other early nominees include Daniel Amokachi and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, both former Super Eagles stars, who made the cut in 1995. Nwankwo Kanu followed suit in 1996, receiving recognition for his stellar season with Ajax, despite finishing 11th.
Kanu would later be nominated again in 1999. Victor Ikpeba, who claimed the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997, received a Ballon d’Or nod that same year but ended up in 32nd place. Midfielder Sunday Oliseh was nominated in 1998 following his impactful performances for both club and country. Osimhen became the first Nigerian to secure a top-ten finish in the men’s Ballon d’Or voting when he achieved eighth place in 2023.
In 2024, Ademola Lookman finished 14th after scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final. The Nigerian players who have received Ballon d’Or nominations include Finidi George (1995), Daniel Amokachi (1995), Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha (1995), Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), Sunday Oliseh (1998), Asisat Oshoala (2022, 2023), Victor Osimhen (2023), and Ademola Lookman (2024).
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
