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

Since the Ballon d’Or began, nine Nigerian players have earned nominations. We examine how each has fared in the rankings over the years.

1. Victor Osimhen (2023) - 8th Place, 24 Votes

Victor Osimhen set a new benchmark in 2023 by finishing 8th, the highest ever for a Nigerian. His outstanding season saw Napoli claim their first Serie A title in 33 years. Osimhen secured the league’s golden boot with 26 goals and helped Napoli reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, scoring five times.

2. Nwankwo Kanu (1996) - 11th Place, 14 Votes

Kanu became the first Nigerian to earn two Ballon d’Or nominations. His 1996 nod followed his pivotal role in Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal run in Atlanta. In the semifinal against Brazil, his late goals turned a 2-3 deficit into a 4-3 win in extra time. Kanu was also key to Ajax reaching the Champions League final that year.

3. Asisat Oshoala (2022) - 16th Place, 4 Votes

Oshoala was the second Nigerian nominated twice, with her first nomination in 2022 after an impressive season at Barcelona. She led the team to the Primera División title as top scorer and helped secure the Supercopa de España Femenina and Copa de la Reina trophies.

4. Asisat Oshoala (2023) - 20th Place, 7 Votes

Her performances continued into 2023, becoming the first Nigerian woman nominated in consecutive years. Oshoala achieved a historic treble with Barcelona, winning the Primera División, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa de España Femenina. Internationally, she scored an important goal against Australia in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16.

5. Finidi George (1995) - 21st Place, 6 Votes

Finidi made history as the first Nigerian to break into the Ballon d’Or top 30. He played a vital role in Ajax's legendary season, starting every match as the club won the UEFA Champions League, Eredivisie, Johan Cruijff Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup.

6. Nwankwo Kanu (1999) - 23rd Place, 2 Votes

Kanu’s second Ballon d’Or nomination came after his move to Arsenal. His stellar performances earned him the CAF African Footballer of the Year and BBC African Footballer of the Year awards alongside the nomination.

7. Victor Ikpeba (1997) - 32nd Place, 2 Votes

Known as the Prince of Monaco, Ikpeba earned a Ballon d’Or nod after helping AS Monaco win Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions. He scored 13 league goals and was the second-highest scorer in the 1996–97 UEFA Cup.

8. Sunday Oliseh (1998) - Nominated but Outside Top 30, No Votes

Oliseh’s nomination followed strong performances for Ajax, which won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup. He also impressed at the 1998 World Cup, scoring a memorable goal in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Spain.

9. Daniel Amokachi (1995) - Nominated but Outside Top 30, No Votes

Amokachi was among three Nigerians nominated in 1995. His nomination recognized his key role in Everton’s FA Cup triumph, where he scored two crucial goals in the semifinal. Famously, he substituted himself into that game, defying instructions.

10. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) - Nominated but Outside Top 30, No Votes

Okocha earned a nomination while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt. His skillful displays caught global attention, even though he did not make the top 30.

Though dominated by Europeans, these Nigerian stars have left strong marks on football’s biggest individual award.

• 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): Nominated but no votes
• Daniel Amokachi (1995): Nominated but no votes
• Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995): Nominated but no votes