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Ballon d’Or: Top 10 Nigerian Footballers with the Best Rankings Ever

Since the Ballon d'Or began, nine Nigerians have earned nominations. Here’s a look at how high each ranked during their nominated years.

1. Victor Osimhen (2023) - 8th place, 24 votes

Victor Osimhen set a record in 2023 by finishing eighth, the highest ever for a Nigerian. He spearheaded Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years and won the league’s golden boot with 26 goals. His five goals helped Napoli reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

2. Nwankwo Kanu (1996) - 11th place, 14 votes

Kanu was the first Nigerian to get two Ballon d’Or nominations. In 1996, he helped Nigeria win Olympic gold, scoring crucial late goals against Brazil in the semifinals. That year, he also starred for Ajax Amsterdam, who reached the Champions League final.

3. Asisat Oshoala (2022) - 16th place, 4 votes

Oshoala became the second Nigerian with multiple Ballon d’Or nods. In 2022, she led Barcelona to the Primera División title and finished as the league's top scorer. She also helped secure the Supercopa de España Femenina and Copa de la Reina trophies.

4. Asisat Oshoala (2023) - 20th place, 7 votes

Her form continued into 2023, making her the first Nigerian woman nominated in back-to-back years. Oshoala won a historic treble with Barcelona and scored an important goal in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

5. Finidi George (1995) - 21st place, 6 votes

Finidi made the top 30 for the first time by a Nigerian in 1995. He was key in Ajax Amsterdam’s Champions League triumph and victories in the Eredivisie, Johan Cruijff Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup that season.

6. Nwankwo Kanu (1999) - 23rd place, 2 votes

Kanu’s second nomination came after his successful move to Arsenal, earning him the CAF and BBC African Footballer of the Year awards.

7. Victor Ikpeba (1997) - 32nd place, 2 votes

Known as the "Prince of Monaco," Ikpeba helped AS Monaco win Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions in 1997, scoring 13 league goals and finishing second top scorer in the UEFA Cup.

8. Sunday Oliseh (1998) - No top 30 ranking, no votes

Oliseh impressed for Ajax Amsterdam, winning the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup. He also scored a memorable goal for Nigeria in their 3-2 World Cup victory over Spain.

9. Daniel Amokachi (1995) - No top 30 ranking, no votes

Amokachi was among three Nigerians nominated in 1995. His FA Cup heroics for Everton, including two semifinal goals, earned him recognition. Notably, he substituted himself into that semifinal match.

10. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) - No top 30 ranking, no votes

Okocha caught attention playing for Eintracht Frankfurt with dazzling skills that earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination.

Although the Ballon d’Or has mostly favored Europeans, these ten Nigerians have made notable marks on the global football stage.

  • Victor Osimhen (2023): 8th, 24 votes
  • Nwankwo Kanu (1996): 11th, 14 votes
  • Asisat Oshoala (2022): 16th, 4 votes
  • Asisat Oshoala (2023): 20th, 7 votes
  • Finidi George (1995): 21st, 6 votes
  • Nwankwo Kanu (1999): 23rd, 2 votes
  • Victor Ikpeba (1997): 32nd, 2 votes
  • Sunday Oliseh (1998): No top 30, no vote
  • Daniel Amokachi (1995): No top 30, no vote
  • Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995): No top 30, no vote

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