Top 10 Nigerian Footballers Ranked Highest in Ballon d’Or History
Since the Ballon d’Or began, nine Nigerian players have earned nominations. This list ranks these footballers based on their highest finishes in the award standings.
1. Victor Osimhen (2023) - 8th place, 24 votes
Victor Osimhen set a new record for Nigerians by finishing eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or. That year, he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years and won the league's golden boot with 26 goals. Osimhen also scored five times during Napoli's run to the Champions League quarterfinals.
2. Nwankwo Kanu (1996) - 11th place, 14 votes
Nwankwo Kanu was the first Nigerian nominated twice for the award, with his initial nod in 1996 after his Olympic gold-winning performances in Atlanta. He scored key late goals against Brazil in the semifinals and helped Ajax reach the UEFA Champions League final that year.
3. Asisat Oshoala (2022) - 16th place, 4 votes
Asisat Oshoala became the second Nigerian to receive two Ballon d’Or nominations. Her 2022 nomination came after a stellar season with Barcelona, where she topped the scoring charts as they won the Primera División, Supercopa de España Femenina, and Copa de la Reina.
4. Asisat Oshoala (2023) - 20th place, 7 votes
Oshoala repeated her nomination in 2023 after helping Barcelona secure a treble of league and cup titles. Internationally, she guided Nigeria to the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, netting 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. He played a key role in Ajax’s historic quadruple-winning season, contributing in all matches as the club claimed 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 nomination came in 1999 after a strong season with Arsenal. That year, he won both the CAF African Footballer of the Year and BBC African Footballer of the Year awards along with his Ballon d’Or nod.
7. Victor Ikpeba (1997) - 32nd place, 2 votes
Victor Ikpeba, nicknamed the Prince of Monaco, earned a Ballon d’Or nomination in 1997 after helping AS Monaco win Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions. He scored 13 league goals and was runner-up top scorer in the UEFA Cup that season.
8. Sunday Oliseh (1998) - Nominated but outside top 30, no votes
Sunday Oliseh received a Ballon d’Or nomination in 1998 following standout performances for Ajax and Nigeria. He helped Ajax win the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup, and scored a memorable goal in Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
9. Daniel Amokachi (1995) - Nominated but outside top 30, no votes
Daniel Amokachi was one of three Nigerians nominated in 1995. His nomination followed Everton’s FA Cup triumph, where he scored two crucial semifinal goals and famously substituted himself into the game.
10. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) - Nominated but outside top 30, no votes
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha impressed fans worldwide with his skills during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, earning a Ballon d’Or nomination in 1995 despite not making the top 30.
