Ballon d’Or: Top 10 Highest-Ranked Nigerian Footballers Ever

Top 10 Nigerian Footballers Ranked by Ballon d’Or Nominations

Since the Ballon d’Or began, nine Nigerian players have earned nominations. This list highlights how each ranked in their respective years, showcasing Nigeria's football legacy on the global stage.

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

Victor Osimhen set a record in 2023 as the highest-ranked Nigerian ever in the Ballon d’Or. Leading Napoli to their first Serie A championship in 33 years, Osimhen also secured the league’s golden boot with 26 goals and scored five times in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal run.

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

Nwankwo Kanu was the first Nigerian to be nominated twice for this award. His 1996 nomination celebrated his role in Nigeria’s Olympic gold win and his key contributions to Ajax reaching the Champions League final.

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

Asisat Oshoala became the second Nigerian footballer nominated twice. Her 2022 nomination came after leading Barcelona to the Primera División title as top scorer, while helping secure two additional trophies.

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

Oshoala kept her form into 2023, winning a treble with Barcelona and guiding Nigeria to the Women's World Cup round of 16, including scoring a decisive goal against Australia.

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

Finidi George was the first Nigerian to crack the top 30 in 1995. His performances helped Ajax capture multiple titles including the UEFA Champions League, Eredivisie, and Intercontinental Cup.

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

Kanu’s second nod followed his move to Arsenal, where he earned both CAF and BBC African Footballer of the Year awards.

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

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

8. Sunday Oliseh (1998) - Nominated, Outside Top 30

Oliseh impressed for Ajax with league and cup wins and scored a memorable World Cup goal against Spain in 1998.

9. Daniel Amokachi (1995) - Nominated, Outside Top 30

Amokachi earned his nomination after an FA Cup-winning season with Everton, famously subbing himself into a crucial semifinal game to score twice.

10. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) - Nominated, Outside Top 30

Okocha dazzled Bundesliga fans at Eintracht Frankfurt with skillful play, earning global admiration and a Ballon d’Or nomination despite not making the top 30.

The Ballon d’Or has mostly spotlighted European stars, yet these Nigerian players have made memorable marks on football history.

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