Victor Osimhen’s inclusion in the “top ten” marks a historic moment, as he becomes one of the few Nigerians ever nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
The 24-year-old’s standout performance for Napoli was instrumental in their triumph in securing the Serie A title after a 33-year wait. He scored 25 goals to become the first African player to claim the Pichichi award, the coveted prize for the highest goalscorer in the Italian league.
He also outperformed top strikers such as Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao to clinch the Best Striker title for the Serie A 2022–2023 season.
His exceptional performance in the league resulted in him becoming the first African to lead the Serie A scorers’ chart, breaking the record previously held by George Weah for the most goals scored by an African in the Italian league.
Osimhen’s contributions extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he scored five crucial goals in six appearances, propelling Napoli to the quarterfinals.
The 24-year-old striker also played a pivotal role in helping the Nigerian national team secure their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Osimhen’s nomination in the male category marked the first Nigerian inclusion in 24 years, following the legacy of Kanu Nwankwo, the last Super Eagles star to secure a nomination.
With his 8th-place finish, Osimhen sets a new record as the highest-ranked Nigerian player at the Ballon d’Or and the highest-ranked African player in the 2023 edition.
Renowned journalist, Giuseppe Pastore said “this is the best result ever for a Napoli player, given that the previous record belonged to Ruud Krol, who ended 15th in 1980.”
Osimhen’s remarkable achievement places him in the esteemed company of top football talents, including Julian Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modric, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Vini Jr., and Lionel Messi, all gracing the top 10 of the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
2. Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
3. Kylian Mbappe (France, PSG)
4. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City)
5. Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
6. Vinicius Junior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
7. Julian Alvarez (Argentina, Manchester City)
8. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)
9. Bernardo Silva (Portugal, Manchester City)
10. Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)
11. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
12. Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)
13. Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)
14. Ilkay Gundogan (Germany, Barcelona)
15. Emiliano Martinez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
16. Karim Benzema (France, Al Ittihad)
17. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli)
18. Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
19. Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)
20. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan)
21. Antoine Griezmann (France, Atletico Madrid)
22. Min-Jae Kim (South Korea, Bayern Munich)
23. Andre Onana (Cameroon, Manchester United)
24. Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)
25. Josko Gvardiol (Croatia, Manchester City)
26. Jamal Musiala (Germany, Bayern Munich)
27. Nicolo Barella (Italy, Inter Milan)
28. Martin Odegaard (Norway, Arsenal)
29. Randal Kolo Muani (France, PSG)
30. Ruben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)
KanyiDaily had also reported how Argentine forward, Lionel Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, while Spain’s midfielder Aitana Bonmati clinched the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
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