Although the Ballon d’Or has traditionally been dominated by European and South American players, several Nigerian stars have achieved notable rankings over the years, highlighting the country’s talent.
From legendary figures who brought Nigeria its first Olympic gold to modern players breaking records in European leagues.
Here are the top five Nigerian footballers who’ve received some of the highest Ballon d’Or ranking:
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s impressive journey with Napoli landed him the eighth spot in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings. He proved his skill and helped the club win their first Serie A championship in 33 years with a stunning 31 goals and five assists.
His unique blend of speed, skill, and scoring ability thrilled both fans and analysts and secured his status as one of the best strikers in football.
In addition, Osimhen received the African Player of the Year award.
Nwankwo Kanu
Nigerian football fans are very familiar with Nwankwo Kanu, especially after his remarkable 11th-place finish in the 1996 Ballon d’Or rankings followed by Nigeria’s Dream Team’s gold medal in the Olympics in Atlanta.
His ability to deliver at crucial moments at Ajax and Arsenal further made him one of Africa’s most recognizable players.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman’s outstanding performance in the club and international competitions earned him an amazing 14th-place ranking in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, and he is the most recent Nigerian to attain such a position.
The Atalanta star’s outstanding displays at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he assisted Nigeria in reaching the final, and the Europa League, where he scored a hat-trick in the final, added yet another notable achievement to the history of Nigerian football players on the global stage.
Finidi George
Finidi George, a key player for Ajax during a golden era for the club, ranked 21st in the 1995 Ballon d’Or.
His remarkable pace and technical ability at the club helped secure the UEFA Champions League title and left a lasting impact on European football. George’s ranking was a recognition of his significant role in the team’s success, showcasing the talent that Nigeria has consistently produced.
Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu returned to the Ballon d’Or rankings in 1999, finishing in 23rd place. This rating highlighted the success of his time at Arsenal, where he became a household figure in football thanks to his memorable performances and talent for scoring important goals. The fact that Kanu is still listed on the Ballon d’Or list is evidence of his enduring influence on Nigerian and global football.
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Source: Vanguard