The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual award in football, given every year to the best male and female players in the world. Since 1956, it has been a symbol of football excellence. Over the years, only a few Nigerian footballers have received this prestigious nomination.
The first set of Nigerian players to earn a Ballon d’Or nomination came in 1995. Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and the legendary Austin Jay-Jay Okocha made history by being recognized for their incredible skills. Their nominations shone a spotlight on African talent, inspiring future generations.
Nwankwo Kanu, one of Nigeria’s most famous football icons, was nominated twice. He first received a nomination in 1996 while playing for Arsenal, and again in 1999 during his time at Inter Milan.
In 1997, Victor Ikpeba earned his nomination while at AS Monaco, followed by Sunday Oliseh’s recognition in 1998 during his time at Juventus.
Fast forward to 2023, Nigerian football once again made headlines when Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were nominated in the same year. Osimhen’s impressive season with Napoli, where he scored 26 goals, and Oshoala’s winning season with Barcelona earned them both well-deserved recognition on the global stage.
A year later, in 2024, Ademola Lookman joined this prestigious group after his stellar performance for Atalanta in Italy, further cementing Nigeria’s place in the world of football.
Here is a list of the 9 Nigerian players who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or:
- Finidi George (1995)
- Daniel Amokachi (1995)
- Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995)
- Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)
- Victor Ikpeba (1997)
- Sunday Oliseh (1998)
- Asisat Oshoala (2022, 2023)
- Victor Osimhen (2023)
- Ademola Lookman (2024)
These Nigerian footballers have not only achieved personal success but also paved the way for future African players to be recognized on the global stage.
