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 gave Nigeria its first Olympic gold to modern players breaking records in European leagues.
Here are the top five Nigerian footballers who have received some of the highest Ballon d’Or ratings:
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s impressive journey with Napoli earned him eighth place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or standings. He demonstrated his ability and helped the club win its first Serie A championship in 33 years with an astonishing 31 goals. and five assists.
His unique combination of speed, skill and goalscoring ability thrilled fans and analysts alike and secured his status as one of the best strikers in football.
Additionally, Osimhen received the African Player of the Year award.
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Nigerian football fans are very familiar with Nwankwo Kanu, especially after his notable 11th place finish in the 1996 Ballon d’Or rankings, followed by the Nigerian Dream Team’s gold medal win at the Atlanta Olympics.
His ability to perform at crucial moments at Ajax and Arsenal further made him one of the most recognizable players in Africa.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman’s outstanding performance at club and international competitions earned him a surprising 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, and he is the most recent Nigerian to reach that position.
The Atalanta star’s outstanding performances in the African Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria reach the final, and in the Europa League, where he scored a hat-trick in the final, added another notable achievement to the history of the Nigerian footballers. the world stage.
George Finidi
Finidi George, a key player for Ajax during a golden era for the club, was 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 qualification was a recognition of his important role in the team’s success, showcasing the talent Nigeria has consistently produced.
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Kanu returned to the Ballon d’Or rankings in 1999, finishing in 23rd place. This ranking highlighted the success of his time at Arsenal, where he became a familiar football figure thanks to his memorable performances and his talent for scoring important goals. . The fact that Kanu is still on the Ballon d’Or list is testament to his lasting influence on Nigerian and world football.
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