Ballon d’Or: The Top 10 Nigerian Footballers with the Highest Rankings in History

Since the Ballon d’Or award began, nine Nigerian players have earned nominations. We explore how these stars placed in the rankings during their nominated years, showing the impact Nigeria has had on global football.

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

Victor Osimhen achieved the best finish ever by a Nigerian in the Ballon d’Or in 2023. That year, he was instrumental in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years. He also won the league's golden boot with 26 goals and scored five times as Napoli reached the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

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

Nwankwo Kanu became the first Nigerian to be nominated twice for the Ballon d’Or, with his first nomination in 1996 after leading Nigeria to Olympic gold at Atlanta. He scored crucial goals against Brazil in the semifinals and was key in Ajax reaching the UEFA Champions League final that year.

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

Asisat Oshoala made history as the second Nigerian nominated twice for the Ballon d’Or, with her first nod in 2022. She starred in Barcelona’s Primera División triumph, finishing top scorer and helping win the Supercopa de España Femenina and Copa de la Reina.

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

Oshoala continued her fine form into 2023, becoming the first Nigerian woman nominated in consecutive years. She helped Barcelona claim a treble and scored a vital goal as Nigeria advanced to the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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

Finidi George was the first Nigerian to crack the top 30 in the Ballon d’Or. In 1995, he played a major role in Ajax’s UEFA Champions League victory and other trophies, cementing himself among the world’s best wingers.

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

Kanu’s second Ballon d’Or nomination came after moving to Arsenal, where he impressed greatly. That year he also won CAF and BBC African Footballer of the Year awards.

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

Nicknamed the Prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba earned a Ballon d’Or nomination after helping AS Monaco win Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions. He scored 13 league goals and was second top scorer in the UEFA Cup.

8. Sunday Oliseh (1998) - Nominated, No Top 30 Finish

Sunday Oliseh earned a nomination after strong performances for Ajax and Nigeria at the 1998 World Cup, where he scored a memorable goal in a win over Spain.

9. Daniel Amokachi (1995) - Nominated, No Top 30 Finish

Amokachi was one of three Nigerians nominated in 1995, credited especially for his role in Everton’s FA Cup win, including scoring two goals in the semifinal. He famously substituted himself into that game after being told just to warm up.

10. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) - Nominated, No Top 30 Finish

Jay-Jay Okocha got his nomination while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to his dazzling skills and captivating play in the Bundesliga.

Though the Ballon d’Or often favors European stars, these ten Nigerians have shown remarkable talent and made their mark on the international stage.

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