Ballon d’Or: Top 10 highest-ranked Nigerian footballers in history

Ademola Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award after leading Atalanta to the Europa League title last season while becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final. 

Nigeria has produced a plethora of talented players who have made significant strides on the global stage, and they have been recognised with nominations and awards in different categories. 

Pulse Sports compiled a list of Nigerians who have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or, with Lookman being the ninth Nigerian to have made the list. 

However, we take a look at how these players have ranked in the years they were nominated, from best to worst. 

Here are the top 10 highest-ranked Nigerian footballers in Ballon d'Or history:

Victor Osimhen made history in 2023 by achieving the highest finish by a Nigerian footballer in the Ballon d'Or. 

It was a standout year for Osimhen, as he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years. He clinched the league's golden boot with 26 goals and also contributed significantly to Napoli's deep run in the UEFA Champions League, scoring five goals as the team reached the quarterfinals.

Kanu made history by becoming the first Nigerian to be nominated twice for the Ballon d’Or. His first nomination came in 1996, a recognition for his exceptional performance in leading Nigeria to Olympic gold at the Atlanta 1996 Games.

In the semifinals against Brazil, Kanu's late goals turned a 2-3 deficit into a 4-3 victory in extra time, showcasing his incredible talent and determination. Additionally, Kanu was a vital member of the Ajax Amsterdam team that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 1996.

Oshoala made history by becoming the second Nigerian footballer to be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or twice. Her first nomination came in 2022, following a remarkable season with Barcelona.

Oshoala played a pivotal role in leading Barcelona to the Primera División title, finishing as the league's top scorer. Her contributions were also instrumental in securing the Supercopa de España Femenina and Copa de la Reina titles in the same season.

Oshoala's exceptional performances continued into the following season, making her the first Nigerian woman to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or in consecutive years. 

She achieved a historic treble with Barcelona, winning the Primera División, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa de España Femenina.

On the international stage, Oshoala led Nigeria to the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, scoring a crucial goal against Australia in their 3-2 victory.

Finidi made history in 1995 by becoming the first Nigerian to make the top 30 in the Ballon d'Or rankings. His impressive performances that season solidified his reputation as one of the world's top wingers.

Finidi played a crucial role in Ajax Amsterdam's historic success, starting in all matches as the team claimed their fourth UEFA Champions League title, along with the Eredivisie, Johan Cruijff Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup.

Kanu's second historic Ballon d'Or nomination came in 1999, following his successful move to Arsenal. His exceptional performances that year earned him not only a Ballon d'Or nod but also the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year and BBC African Footballer of the Year awards.

Ikpeba was famously tagged the "Prince of Monaco," and he lived up to this name, earning a prestigious Ballon d'Or nomination in 1997. His exceptional performances for AS Monaco helped the club clinch the French Ligue 1 and Trophée des Champions trophies in 1997.  

The forward scored 13 league goals on the way to the league title, while he also finished as the second-top goalscorer in the 1996–97 UEFA Cup.

Oliseh was nominated for the Ballon d'Or award in 1998 after producing outstanding performances for Ajax Amsterdam, which resulted in Eredivisie and KNVB Cup titles. 

He also shone for the Super Eagles at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, scoring one of the most memorable goals in a 3-2 win against Spain. 

Amokachi was one of three Nigerians nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 1995, alongside Finidi and Austin Okocha.

Amokachi's nomination was a result of his exceptional performance in Everton's FA Cup victory. He played a pivotal role in the team's success, scoring two crucial goals in the semifinal against Tottenham Hotspur. 

A memorable moment from the match was Amokachi's decision to substitute himself into the game after only being instructed by manager Joe Royle to warm up.

Okocha earned a Ballon d'Or nomination in 1995 while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga. 

He produced captivating performances and showcased great skills that caught the attention of fans around the globe.

While the Ballon d'Or has primarily been dominated by European players, these 10 Nigerian footballers have made significant strides and left a lasting impact on the global stage.